Modulators of calcium release-activated calcium channel and methods for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are novel calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel inhibitors, methods for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and methods of treatment using them. The present disclosure also relates to methods for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with CRAC inhibitors, and to methods for identifying therapeutics for treating and of diagnosing cancer.

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/899,410, filed Oct. 6, 2010, which claims the benefit of IndianProvisional Patent Application Nos. 2439/CHE/2009 dated 8 Oct. 2009;2636/CHE/2009 dated 30 Oct. 2009; 158/CHE/2010 dated 25 Jan. 2010;1513/CHE/2010 dated 2 Jun. 2010; 1514/CHE/2010 dated 2 Jun. 2010; and2385/CHE/2010 dated 19 Aug. 2010, and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/265,540 dated 1 Dec. 2009, each of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to calcium release-activated calcium(CRAC) channel inhibitors of formula I and pharmaceutically acceptablesalts thereof, methods for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositionscontaining them, and methods of treatment with them.

The present invention also relates to methods for treating non-smallcell lung cancer (NSCLC) with CRAC inhibitors, and methods foridentifying therapeutics for treating and of diagnosing cancer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The regulation of intracellular calcium is a key element in thetransduction of signals into and within cells. Cellular responses togrowth factors, neurotransmitters, hormones and a variety of othersignal molecules are initiated through calcium-dependent processes. Theimportance of calcium ion as a second messenger is emphasised by manydifferent mechanisms which work together to maintain calciumhomeostasis. Changes in intracellular free calcium ion concentrationrepresent the most wide-spread and important signalling event forregulating a plethora of cellular responses. A widespread route forcalcium ion entry into the cell is through store-operated channels(SOCs), i.e. many cell types employ store-operated calcium ion entry astheir principal pathway for calcium ion influx. This mechanism isengaged following calcium ion release from stores, where the depletedstores lead to activation of calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC)channels.

CRAC channels, a subfamily of store-operated channels, are activated bythe release of calcium from intracellular stores, particularly from theendoplasmic reticulum (ER). These channels are key factors in theregulation of a wide range of cellular function, including musclecontraction, protein and fluid secretion and control over cell growthand proliferation and hence play an essential role in various diseasessuch as immune disorders and allergic responses. Among severalbiophysically distinct store-operated currents the best characterizedand most calcium ion selective one is the CRAC current. Thus, CRACchannels mediate essential functions from secretion to gene expressionand cell growth and form a network essential for the activation ofimmune cells that establish the adaptive immune response. Recently twoproteins, stromal interaction molecule (STIM1) and CRAC Modulator 1(CRACM1 or Orai1), have been identified as the essential components thatfully reconstitute and amplify CRAC currents in heterologous expressionsystems with a similar biophysical fingerprint. In mammals, there existseveral homologs of these proteins: STIM1 and STIM2 in the endoplasmicreticulum and CRACM1, CRACM2, and CRACM3 in the plasma membrane.

CRAC currents were initially discovered in lymphocytes and mast cells,and at the same time have been characterized in various cell lines suchas S2 drosophila, DT40 B cells, hepatocytes, dendritic, megakaryotic,and Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. In lymphocytes and in mast cells,activation through antigen or Fc receptors initiates the release ofcalcium ion from intracellular stores caused by the second messengerinositol (1,4,5)-triphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P₃), which in turn leads tocalcium ion influx through CRAC channels in the plasma membrane.Store-operated Ca²⁺ currents characterized in smooth muscle, A431epidermal cells, endothelial cells from various tissues, and prostatecancer cell lines show altered biophysical characteristics suggesting adistinct molecular origin.

For example, calcium ion influx across the cell membrane is important inlymphocyte activation and adaptive immune responses. [Ca²⁺]-oscillationstriggered through stimulation of the TCR (T-cell antigen receptor) havebeen demonstrated to be prominent, and appear to involve only a singlecalcium ion influx pathway, the store-operated CRAC channel. See, e.g.,Lewis “Calcium signalling mechanisms in T lymphocytes,” Annu. Rev.Immunol. 19, (2001), 497-521; Feske et al. “Ca⁺⁺ calcineurin signallingin cells of the immune system,” Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 311,(2003), 1117-1132; Hogan et al. “Transcriptional regulation by calcium,calcineurin, and NFAT,” Genes Dev. 17, (2003) 2205-2232.

It is well established now that intracellular calcium plays an importantrole in various cellular functions, and that its concentration isregulated by calcium ion influx through calcium channels on the cellmembrane. Calaum ion channels, which are located in the nervous,endocrine, cardiovascular, and skeletal systems and are modulated bymembrane potential, are called voltage-operated Ca²⁺ (VOC) channels.These channels are classified into L, N, P, Q, R, and T subtypes.Excessive Ca²⁺ influx through the VOC channels causes hypertension andbrain dysfunction. In contrast, calcium ion channels on inflammatorycells, including lymphocytes, mast cells, and neutrophils, can beactivated regardless of their membrane potential. This type of calciumion channel has been reported to act in the crisis and exacerbation ofinflammation and autoimmune diseases. In the T cells, it has beenreported that the early stages of activation consist of pre- andpost-Ca²⁺ events. The stimulation of T cell receptors induces pre-Ca²⁺events, including the generation of IP3, followed by the release of Ca²⁺from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In post-Ca²⁺ events, depletion ofCa²⁺ in the ER induces the activation of CRAC channels, and capacitativeCa²⁺ influx through the CRAC channel sustains high intracellular Ca²⁺concentration ([Ca²⁺]i). This prolonged high [Ca2+]i activates cytosolicsignal transduction to produce lipid mediators (e.g., LTD₄), cytokines[e.g., interleukin-2 (IL-2)], and matrix metalloproteinases, whichparticipate in the pathogenesis of inflammation and autoimmune diseases.

These facts suggest that CRAC channel modulators can be useful for thetreatment of diseases caused by the activation of inflammatory cellswithout side effects observed in steroids. Since VOC channel modulatorswould cause adverse events in the nervous and cardiovascular systems, itmay be necessary for CRAC channel modulators to exhibit sufficientselectivity over VOC channels if they are to be used asanti-inflammatory drugs.

Accordingly, CRAC channel modulators have been said to be useful intreatment, prevention and/or amelioration of diseases or disordersassociated with calcium release-activated calcium channel including, butnot limited to, inflammation, glomerulonephritis, uveitis, hepaticdiseases or disorders, renal diseases or disorders, chronic obstructivepulmonary disease, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease,vasculitis, dermatitis, osteoarthritis, inflammatory muscle disease,allergic rhinitis, vaginitis, interstitial cystitis, scleroderma,osteoporosis, eczema, allogeneic or xenogeneic transplantation, graftrejection, graft-versus-host disease, lupus erythematosus, type Idiabetes, pulmonary fibrosis, dermatomyositis, thyroiditis, myastheniagravis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, cystic fibrosis, chronic relapsinghepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, allergic conjunctivitis, hepatitisand atopic dermatitis, asthma, Sjogren's syndrome, cancer and otherproliferative diseases, and autoimmune diseases or disorders. See, e.g.,International Publication Nos. WO 2005/009954, WO 2005/009539, WO2005/009954, WO 2006/034402, WO 2006/081389, WO 2006/081391, WO2007/087429, WO 2007/087427, WO 2007087441, WO 200/7087442, WO2007/087443, WO 2007/089904, WO 2007109362, WO 2007/112093, WO2008/039520, WO 2008/063504, WO 2008/103310, WO 2009/017818, WO2009/017819, WO 2009/017831, WO 2010/039238, WO 2010/039237, WO2010/039236, WO 2009/089305 and WO 2009/038775, and US Publication Nos.:US 2006/0173006 and US 2007/0249051.

CRAC channel inhibitors which have been identified include SK&F 96365(1), Econazole (2) and L-651582 (3).

However, these molecules lack sufficient potency and selectivity overVOC channels and hence are not suitable for therapeutic use.

Recent publications by Taiji et al. (European Journal of Pharmacology,560, 225-233, 2007) and Yasurio Yonetoky et al. (Bio. & Med. Chem., 16,9457-9466, 2008) describe a selective CRAC channel inhibitor codedYM-58483 that is capable of inhibiting T cell function and proposed tobe of some benefit in the treatment of inflammatory diseases includingbronchial asthma.

Yasurio Yonetoky et al. disclose YM-58483 to be selective for CRACchannels over the voltage operated channels (VOC) with a selective indexof 31.

Other CRAC channel modulators disclosed include various biaryl and/orheterocyclic carboxanilide compounds including for example PCT or USpatent applications assigned to Synta Pharmaceuticals viz. WO2005/009954, WO 2005/009539, WO 2005/009954, WO 2006/034402, WO2006/081389, WO 2006/081391, WO 2007/087429, WO 2007/087427, WO2007087441, WO 200/7087442, WO 2007/087443, WO 2007/089904, WO2007109362, WO 2007/112093, WO 2008/039520, WO 2008/063504, WO2008/103310, WO 2009/017818, WO 2009/017819, WO 2009/017831, WO2010/039238, WO 2010/039237, WO 2010/039236, WO 2009/089305 and WO2009/038775, US 2006/0173006 and US 2007/0249051.

Other patent publications relating to CRAC channel modulators includeapplications by Astellas, Queens Medical Centre, Calcimedica and othersviz., WO 2007/121186, WO 2006/050214, WO 2007/139926, WO 2008/148108,U.S. Pat. No. 7,452,675, US 2009/023177, WO 2007/139926, U.S. Pat. No.6,696,267, U.S. Pat. No. 6,348,480, WO 2008/106731, US 2008/0293092, WO2010/048559, WO 2010/027875, WO2010/025295, WO 2010/034011,WO2010/034003, WO 2009/076454, WO 2009/035818, US 2010/0152241, US2010/0087415, US 2009/0311720 and WO 2004/078995.

Further review and literature disclosure in the area of CRAC channelsincludes Isabella Derler et al., Expert Opinion in Drug Discovery, 3(7),787-800, 2008; Yousang G et al., Cell Calcium, 42, 145-156, 2007;Yasurio Yonetoky et. al., Bio. & Med. Chem., 14, 4750-4760, 2006; andYasurio Yonetoky et. al., Bio. & Med. Chem., 14, 5370-5383, 2006. All ofthese patents and/or patent applications and literature disclosures areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

Cancer is a major public health problem in India, the U.S. and manyother parts of the world. Currently, 1 in 4 deaths in India is due tocancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwidebecause of its high incidence and mortality, with 5-year survivalestimates of ˜10% for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It has beenreported that further investigations on the mechanisms of tumorigenesisand chemoresistance of lung cancer are needed to improve the survivalrate (Jemal A, et al., Cancer Statistics, CA Cancer. J. Clin., 56,106-130, 2006). There are four major types of NSCLC, namely,adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, bronchoalveolar carcinoma, andlarge cell carcinoma. Adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are themost common types of NSCLC based on cellular morphology (Travis et al.,Lung Cancer Principles and Practice, Lippincott-Raven, New York,361-395, 1996). Adenocarcinomas are characterized by a more peripherallocation in the lung and often have a mutation in the K-ras oncogene(Gazdar et al., Anticancer Res., 14, 261-267, 1994). Squamous cellcarcinomas are typically more centrally located and frequently carry p53gene mutations (Niklinska et al., Folia Histochem. Cytobiol., 39,147-148, 2001).

The majority of NSCLCs are characterized by the presence of the rasmutation thereby rendering the patient relatively insensitive totreatment by known kinase inhibitors. As a result, current treatments oflung cancer are generally limited to cytotoxic drugs, surgery, andradiation therapy. There is a need for treatments which have fewer sideeffects and more specifically target the cancer cells, are lessinvasive, and improve the prognosis of patients.

The identification of lung tumor-initiating cells and associated markersmay be useful for optimization of therapeutic approaches and forpredictive and prognostic information in lung cancer patients.Accordingly, a need remains for new methods of predicting, evaluatingand treating patients afflicted with lung cancer.

There still remains an unmet and dire need for small molecule modulatorshaving specificity towards Stim1 and/or Orai1 in order to regulateand/or modulate activity of CRAC channels, particularly for thetreatment of diseases and disorders associated with the CRAC.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I), methods fortheir preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, andmethods of treatment with them.

In particular, compounds of formula (I) and their pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts thereof are calcium release-activated calcium channelmodulators useful in the treatment, prevention, inhibition and/oramelioration of diseases or disorders associated with calciumrelease-activated calcium channel.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a compound of formula(I):

or a tautomer thereof, prodrug thereof, N-oxide thereof,pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof or pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof,wherein

Ring Hy represents

Ring Hy is optionally substituted with R′″;

R¹ and R² are the same or different and are independently selected fromCH₃, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, substituted or unsubstituted C₍₃₋₅₎ cycloalkyl,CH₂—OR^(a), CH₂—NR^(a)R^(b), CN and COOH with the proviso that:

-   -   a) both R¹ and R² at the same time do not represent CF₃,    -   b) both R¹ and R² at the same time do not represent CH₃,    -   c) when R¹ is CF₃ then R² is not CH₃ and    -   d) when R¹ is CH₃ then R² is not CF₃;

Ring Ar represents:

T, U, V and W are the same or different and are independently selectedfrom CR¹ and N;

Z¹, Z² and Z³ are the same or different and are independently selectedfrom CR^(a), CR^(a)R^(b), O, S and —NR^(a), with the proviso that atleast one of Z¹, Z² and Z³ represents O, S or —NR^(a);

L₁ and L₂ together represent —NH—C(═X)—, —NH—S(═O)_(q)—, —C(═X)NH—,—NH—CR′R″ or —S(═O)_(q)NH—;

A is absent or selected from —(CR′R″)—, O, S(═O)_(q), C(═X) and —NR^(a);

each occurrence of R′ and R″ are the same or different and areindependently selected from hydrogen, hydroxy, cyano, halogen, —OR^(a),—COOR^(a), —S(═O)_(q)—R^(a), —NR^(a)R^(b), —C(═X)—R^(a), substituted orunsubstituted C₍₁₋₆₎ alkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted C₍₁₋₆₎alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₍₁₋₆₎ alkynyl, and substituted orunsubstituted C₍₃₋₅₎cycloalkyl, or R′ and R″, when directly bound to acommon atom, may be joined to form a substituted or unsubstitutedsaturated or unsaturated 3-6 member ring, which may optionally includeone or more heteroatoms which may be same or different and are selectedfrom O, NR^(a) and S;

R′″ is selected from hydrogen, hydroxy, cyano, halogen, —OR^(a),—COOR^(a), —S(—O)_(q)—R^(a), —NR^(a)R^(b), —C(═X)—R^(a), substituted orunsubstituted C₍₁₋₆₎ alkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted C₍₁₋₆₎alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted C₍₁₋₆₎ alkynyl, and substituted orunsubstituted C₍₃₋₅₎cycloalkyl;

each occurrence of X is independently selected from O, S and —NR^(a);

Cy is a bicyclic ring selected from substituted or unsubstitutedcycloalkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclyl, substitutedor unsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl;

each occurrence of R^(a) and R^(b) are the same or different and areindependently selected from hydrogen, nitro, hydroxy, cyano, halogen,—OR^(c), —S(═O)_(q)—R^(c), —NR^(c)R^(d), —C(═Y)—R^(c),—CR^(c)R^(d)—C(═Y)—R^(c), —CR^(c)R^(d)—Y—CR^(c)R^(d)—,—C(═Y)—NR^(c)R^(d)—, —NR^(c)R^(d)—C(═Y)—NR^(c)R^(d)—,—S(═O)_(q)—NR^(c)R^(d)—, —NR^(c)R^(d)—S(═O)_(q)—NR^(c)R^(d)—,—NR^(c)R^(d)—NR^(c)R^(d)—, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl,substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstitutedalkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted cycloalkylakyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkenyl,substituted or unsubstituted heterocylyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocyclylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted orunsubstituted arylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, andsubstituted or unsubstituted heteroarylalkyl, or when R^(a) and R^(b)are directly bound to the same atom, they may be joined to form asubstituted or unsubstituted saturated or unsaturated 3-10 memberedring, which may optionally include one or more heteroatoms which may besame or different and are selected from O, NR^(c) and S;

each occurrence of R^(c) and R^(d) may be same or different and areindependently selected from hydrogen, nitro, hydroxy, cyano, halogen,substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedalkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted orunsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkylakyl,substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkenyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocyclic group, substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclylalkyl, orwhen two R^(c) and/or R^(d) substitutents are directly bound to the sameatom, they may be joined to form a substituted or unsubstitutedsaturated or unsaturated 3-10 membered ring, which may optionallyinclude one or more heteroatoms which are the same or different and areselected from O, NH and S;

each occurrence of Y is selected from O, S and —NR^(a); and

each occurrence of q independently represents an integer 0, 1 or 2;

with Proviso (e) that the compound of formula (I) is not:

-   N-[4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl]-1-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-Thieno[2,3-c]pyrazole-5-carboxamide    or    N-[4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl]-Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-2-carboxamide.

In one preferred embodiment, R¹ is cyclopropyl.

In one preferred embodiment, R² is cyclopropyl.

According to one preferred embodiment, Hy is

Further preferred is a compound of formula (I) wherein Hy is

Further preferred is a compound of formula (I) wherein Hy is

According to one preferred embodiment, Ar is

Further preferred is a compound of formula (I) wherein Ar is

Further preferred is a compound of formula (I) wherein Ar is

According to one preferred embodiment, L₁ and L₂ together represent—NH—C(═O)—, —NH—S(═O)_(q)—, —C(═O)NH— or —NH—CH₂—.

According to one preferred embodiment, A is absent or selected from—(CR′R″)—, O, S(═O)_(q), C(═X) and —NR^(a). More preferably, A is —CH₂—,—CHMe- or —(CR′R″)—, where R′ and R″ are joined to form a substituted orunsubstituted saturated or unsaturated 3-6 member ring, which mayoptionally include one or more heteroatoms which are the same ordifferent and are selected from O, NR^(a) (such as NH) and S;

Further preferred is a compound of formula (I) wherein A is —CH₂—,

Further preferred is a compound of formula (I) wherein A is —CH₂—,—CHMe—,

Further preferred is a compound of formula (I) wherein A is absent.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (I) wherein A is —CH₂—.

According to one preferred embodiment, Cy is

Further preferred is a compound of formula (I) wherein Cy is

Further preferred is a compound of formula (I) wherein Cy is

Yet another embodiment is a compound having the formula (IA):

or a tautomer thereof, prodrug thereof, N-oxide thereof,pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, or pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables (e.g., R′″, R¹, R², T, U,V, W, L₁, L₂, A and Cy) are defined as described above in relation toformula (I), with the proviso that the compound of formula (IA) is notany of the compounds in Proviso (a-e) as defined above.

Yet another embodiment is a compound having the formula (IA-I)

or a tautomer thereof, prodrug thereof, N-oxide thereof,pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, or pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, wherein the variables (e.g., R′″, R¹, R², T, U,V, W, A and Cy) are defined as described above in relation to formula(I), with the proviso that the compound of formula (IA) is not any ofthe compounds in Proviso (a-e) defined above.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-I)

or a tautomer thereof, prodrug thereof, N-oxide thereof,pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, or pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, wherein

R¹ and R² are the same or different and are independently selected fromCH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃ and cyclopropyl; with the proviso that both R¹ and R² atthe same time do not represent CF₃,

R′″ is hydrogen or halogen;

T, U, V, W are independently CR^(a) or N;

R^(a) is hydrogen or halogen;

A is absent or is selected from

—CH₂—,

and

Cy is selected from bicyclic substituted or unsubstituted aryl orsubstituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl,

with the proviso that the compound of formula (IA) is not any of thecompounds in Proviso (e) defined above.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-I) wherein both R¹ and R²represent cyclopropyl.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-I) wherein one of R¹ andR² is CF₃ and the other is cyclopropyl.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-I) wherein R¹ iscyclopropyl and R² is CF₃.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-I) wherein T, U, V, W areCH, CF or N.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-I) wherein T is CF or Nand each of U, V and W is CH.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-I) wherein each of T andV is CF or N and each of U and W is CH.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-I) wherein A is absent oris selected from —CH₂—, —CHMe—,

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-I) wherein Cy is selectedfrom

Yet another embodiment is a compound having the formula (IA-II)

or a tautomer thereof, prodrug thereof, N-oxide thereof,pharmaceutically acceptable ester thereof, or pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, wherein

R¹ and R² are the same or different and are independently selected fromCH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃ and cyclopropyl; with the proviso that both R1 and R² atthe same time do not represent CF₃,

R′″ is hydrogen or halogen;

T, U, V, W are independently CR^(a) or N;

R^(a) is hydrogen or halogen;

A is absent or is selected from

—CH₂—, —CHMe—,

and

Cy is selected from C₍₈₋₁₃₎ bicyclic substituted or unsubstitutedheteroaryl,

with the proviso that the compound of formula (IA) is not any of thecompounds in Proviso (e) defined above.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-II) wherein both R¹ andR² represent cyclopropyl.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-II) wherein one of R¹ andR² is CF₃ and the other is cyclopropyl.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-II) wherein R¹ iscyclopropyl and R² is CF₃.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-H) wherein T, U, V, W areCH, CF or N.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-II) wherein T is CF or Nand each of U, V and W is CH.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-II) wherein each of T andV is CF or N and each of U and W is CH.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-II) wherein A is absentor —CH₂—.

In one embodiment, A is —CH₂—.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-II) wherein Cy isselected from

Yet another embodiment is a compound having the formula (IA-III)

or a tautomer, prodrug, N-oxide, pharmaceutically acceptable ester, orpharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,

wherein

R¹ and R² are the same or different and are independently selected fromCH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, Cyclopropyl with the proviso that both R¹ and R² at thesame time do not represent CF₃;

T and V are the same or different and are independently selected from CFand N;

Each of U and V is CR^(a);

L₁ and L₂ together represent —NH—C(═X)—, —NH—S(═O)_(q)—, —C(═X)NH—, or—S(═O)_(q)NH— or —NH—CR′R″—;

A is absent or selected from —(CR′R″)— and —NR^(a);

each occurrence of R′ and R″ are the same or different and areindependently selected from hydrogen or substituted or unsubstitutedC₍₁₋₆₎ alkyl group or R′ and R″ may be joined to form a substituted orunsubstituted saturated or unsaturated 3-6 membered ring, which mayoptionally include one or more heteroatoms which may be same ordifferent and are selected from O, NR^(a) and S;

R′″ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, or halogen

each occurrence of X is independently selected from O, S and —NR^(a);

Cy is a bicyclic ring selected from substituted or unsubstitutedheterocyclyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and substituted orunsubstituted heteroaryl.

each occurrence of R^(a) and R^(b) are the same or different and areindependently selected from hydrogen, nitro, hydroxy, cyano, halogen,—OR^(c), —S(═O)_(q)—R^(c), —NR^(c)R^(d), —C(═Y)—R^(c),—CR^(c)R^(d)—C(═Y)—R^(c), —CR^(c)R^(d)—Y—CR^(c)R^(d)—,—C(═Y)—NR^(c)R^(d)—, —NR^(c)R^(d)—C(═Y)—NR^(c)R^(d)—,—S(═O)_(q)—NR^(c)R^(d)—, —NR^(c)R^(d)—S(═O)_(q)—NR^(c)R^(d)—,—NR^(c)R^(d)—NR^(c)R^(d)—, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl,substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstitutedalkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted cycloalkylakyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkenyl,substituted or unsubstituted heterocylyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocyclylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted orunsubstituted arylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, andsubstituted or unsubstituted heteroarylalkyl, or when R^(a) and R^(b)substitutent are directly bound to the same atom, they may be joined toform a substituted or unsubstituted saturated or unsaturated 3-10 memberring, which may optionally include one or more heteroatoms which may besame or different and are selected from O, NR^(c) and S;

each occurrence of R^(c) and R^(d) may be same or different and areindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, nitro,hydroxy, cyano, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substitutedor unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl,substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedcycloalkylakyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkenyl, substitutedor unsubstituted heterocyclic group, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocyclylalkyl, or when two R^(c) and/or R^(d) substitutents aredirectly bound to the same atom, they may be joined to form asubstituted or unsubstituted saturated or unsaturated 3-10 member ring,which may optionally include one or more heteroatoms which are the sameor different and are selected from O, NH and S;

each occurrence of Y is selected from O, S and —NR^(a); and

each occurrence of q independently represents 0, 1 or 2.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-III) wherein both R¹ andR² represent cyclopropyl.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-III) wherein one of R¹and R² is CF₃ and the other is cyclopropyl.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-III) wherein one of R¹and R² is CF₃ and the other is CH₂F, CHF₂.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-III) wherein R¹ iscyclopropyl and R² is CF₃.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-III) wherein T is CF orN.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-III) wherein U, V, W areCH, CF or N.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-III) wherein L₁ and L₂together represent —NH—C(═O)—, C(═O)NH— or —NH—CH₂—;

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-III) wherein A is absent,—NH— or —CH₂—.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-III) wherein Cy isselected from

Yet another embodiment is a compound having the formula (IA-IV)

or a tautomer, prodrug, N-oxide, pharmaceutically acceptable ester, orpharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,

wherein

R¹ and R² are the same or different and are independently selected fromCH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, Cyclopropyl with the proviso that both R¹ and R² at thesame time do not represent CF₃;

T and V are the same or different and are independently selected fromCH, CF and N;

Each of U and V is CR^(a);

L₁ and L₂ together represent —NH—C(═X)—, —NH—S(═O)_(q)—, —C(═X)NH—, or—S(═O)_(q)NH— or —NH—CR′R″—;

A is selected from —(CR′R″)— and —NR^(a);

each occurrence of R′ and R″ are the same or different and areindependently selected from hydrogen or substituted or unsubstitutedC₍₁₋₆₎ alkyl group or R′ and R″ may be joined to form a substituted orunsubstituted saturated or unsaturated 3-6 membered ring, which mayoptionally include one or more heteroatoms which may be same ordifferent and are selected from O, NR^(a) and S;

R′″ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, or halogen

each occurrence of X is independently selected from O, S and —NR^(a);

Cy is a bicyclic substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl.

each occurrence of R^(a) and R^(b) are the same or different and areindependently selected from hydrogen, nitro, hydroxy, cyano, halogen,—OR^(c), —S(═O)_(q)—R^(c), —NR^(c)R^(d), —C(═Y)—R,—CR^(c)R^(d)—C(═Y)—R^(c), —CR^(c)R^(d)—Y—CR^(c)R^(d)—,—C(═Y)—NR^(c)R^(d)—, —NR^(c)R^(d)—C(═Y)—NR^(c)R^(d)—,—S(═O)_(q)—NR^(c)R^(d)—, —NR^(c)R^(d)—S(—O)_(q)—NR^(c)R^(d)—,—NR^(c)R^(d)—NR^(c)R^(d)—, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl,substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstitutedalkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted cycloalkylakyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkenyl,substituted or unsubstituted heterocylyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocyclylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted orunsubstituted arylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, andsubstituted or unsubstituted heteroarylalkyl, or when R^(a) and R^(b)substitutent are directly bound to the same atom, they may be joined toform a substituted or unsubstituted saturated or unsaturated 3-10 memberring, which may optionally include one or more heteroatoms which may besame or different and are selected from O, NR^(c) and S;

each occurrence of R^(c) and R^(d) may be same or different and areindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, nitro,hydroxy, cyano, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substitutedor unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl,substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedcycloalkylakyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkenyl, substitutedor unsubstituted heterocyclic group, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocyclylalkyl, or when two R^(c) and/or R^(d) substitutents aredirectly bound to the same atom, they may be joined to form asubstituted or unsubstituted saturated or unsaturated 3-10 member ring,which may optionally include one or more heteroatoms which are the sameor different and are selected from O, NH and S;

each occurrence of Y is selected from O, S and —NR^(a); and

each occurrence of q independently represents 0, 1 or 2.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-IV) wherein both R¹ andR² represent cyclopropyl.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-IV) wherein one of R¹ andR² is CF₃ and the other is cyclopropyl.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-IV) wherein one of R¹ andR² is CF₃ and the other is CH₂F, CHF₂.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-IV) wherein R¹ iscyclopropyl and R² is CF₃.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-IV) wherein T is CH, CFor N.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-IV) wherein U, V, W areCH, CF or N.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-IV) wherein L₁ and L₂together represent —NH—C(═O)—, C(═O)NH— or —NH—CH₂—;

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-IV) wherein A is absent,—NH— or —CH₂—.

Further preferred is a compound of formula (IA-IV) wherein Cy isselected from

In yet another embodiment the present invention relates to methods fortreating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with calciumrelease-activated calcium (CRAC) inhibitors, and methods for identifyingtherapeutics for treating and of diagnosing cancer. In certainembodiments, the CRAC inhibitor is a compound of Formula I, IA, IA-II,IA-III or IA-IV as in any of the embodiments described herein.

The present inventors have discovered that cancer cells which expressORAI (such as ORAI1, ORAI2, or ORAI3) or STIM (such as STIM1 or STIM2)are susceptible to treatment with calcium release-activated calcium(CRAC) inhibitors. These types of cancer cells are expressed in manypatients suffering from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

One embodiment of the present invention is a method of treating apatient suffering from NSCLC by administering to the patient aneffective amount of a CRAC inhibitor. In a preferred embodiment, atleast some of the cancer cells express ORAI1, STIM1, or STIM2. The CRACinhibitor may be used as a monotherapy or as an adjunctive therapy withone or more other methods of treating lung cancer (or NSCLC). In certainembodiments, the CRAC inhibitor is a compound of Formula I, IA, IA-II,IA-III or IA-IV as in any of the embodiments described herein.

Another embodiment is a method of treating a patient suffering fromNSCLC by altering flow of calcium into at least some of the cancerouscells, preferably by increasing expression levels of a calciumrelease-activated calcium (CRAC) channel and/or a STIM protein in theplasma membrane of at least some of the cancerous cells.

Yet another embodiment is a method for identifying a candidate agent fortreating NSCLC. The method includes (a) determining (i) whether acandidate agent modulates a calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC)channel, and/or (ii) whether a candidate agent modulates expression ofStim protein of a CRAC channel, or both; and (b) selecting the candidateagent based on its ability to modulate a CRAC channel and/or Stimprotein of a CRAC channel

In a preferred embodiment, the candidate agent can alter a flow ofcalcium into a cancerous cell. For instance, the candidate agent mayselectively modulate a CRAC channel or STIM protein. Preferably, thecandidate agent selectively inhibits a CRAC channel or STIM protein. Forinstance, the CRAC channel which is inhibited may be selected fromCRACM1/Orai1, CRACM2/Orai2 and CRACM3/Orai3. In another embodiment, thecandidate agent inhibits a STIM protein located on the endoplasmicveticular membrane of a cell. In particular embodiments, the STIMprotein is selected from the STIM family of transmembrane proteins, suchas STIM1 or STIM2. According to a preferred embodiment, the STIM proteinis STIM1. In certain embodiments, the candidate agent is a compound ofFormula I, IA, IA-II, IA-III or IA-IV as in any of the embodimentsdescribed herein.

Yet another embodiment is a pharmaceutical composition for treatingNSCLC comprising (a) a candidate agent effective for treatment of NSCLCidentified according to the method above, together with (b) apharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient. In certainembodiments, the candidate agent is a compound of Formula I, IA, IA-II,IA-III or IA-IV, as in any of the embodiments described herein.

Yet another embodiment is a method of treating a patient suffering fromNSCLC by administering to the patient (a) an effective amount of acandidate agent identified according to the method above, or (b) one ormore pharmaceutical compositions comprising (i) a candidate agenteffective for treatment of NSCLC identified according to the methodabove, together with (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluentor excipient, where the total amount of candidate agent provided by thepharmaceutical compositions provide a therapeutic effective amount ofthe candidate agent. In certain embodiments, the candidate agent is acompound of Formula I, IA, IA-II, IA-III or IA-IV as in any of theembodiments described herein.

Yet another embodiment is a method for determining whether a human ispredisposed to lung cancer or suffering from lung cancer by detectingthe level of a calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel and/or aSTIM protein in lung cells (such as cancerous cells). In one embodiment,the method includes detection of an elevated level of an Orai and/orSTIM protein. For example, the method can include detecting increasedlevels of a STIM protein in a cancerous cell. For example, the STIMprotein to be detected is a member of the STIM family of transmembraneproteins, such as STIM1 or STIM2. In one embodiment, the STIM protein tobe detected is STIM1.

Representative compounds of the present invention include thosespecified below and in Table 1 and pharmaceutically acceptable saltsthereof. The present invention should not be construed to be limited tothem.

-   1.    N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxamide-   2.    N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole-6-carboxamide-   3.    N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]quinoline-6-carboxamide    hydrochloride-   4.    N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]quinoxaline-6-carboxamide-   5.    2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)-N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]acetamide-   6.    2-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]acetamide-   7.    N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-2-(1H-indol-3-yl)acetamide-   8.    N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-2-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)acetamide    hydrochloride-   9.    N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamide:-   10.    N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamide    hydrochloride-   11.    2-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-N-(4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-fluorophenyl)acetamide-   12.    N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-fluorophenyl]-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamide    hydrochloride-   13.    N-[6-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridin-3-yl]quinoline-6-carboxamide    dihydrochloride-   14.    N-[6-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridin-3-yl]quinoxaline-6-carboxamide-   15.    2-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-N-[6-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridin-3-yl]acetamide-   16.    N-[6-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridin-3-yl]-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamidedihydrochloride-   17.    N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}quinolin-6-carboxamide    hydrochloride-   18.    N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}quinoxaline-6-carboxamide-   19.    2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}acetamide-   20.    2-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}acetamide-   21.    2-(2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}acetamide-   22.    2-(3H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-3-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}acetamide-   23.    (S)-2-(3H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-3-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}propanamide-   24.    2-(6-amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}acetamide-   25.    N-(4-(5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl)-2-(1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-purin-7(6H)-yl)acetamide-   26.    N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl)-2-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)acetamide    hydrochloride-   27.    N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamide    hydrochloride-   28.    N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-2-(quinolin-6-yl)propanamide    hydrochloride-   29.    N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-3-fluorophenyl}-1H-benzo    [d][1,2,3]triazole-6-carboxamide-   30.    2-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-3-fluorophenyl}acetamide-   31.    N-{6-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]pyridin-3-yl}-1H-benzo    [d][1,2,3]triazole-5-carboxamide-   32.    2-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-N-{6-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]pyridin-3-yl}acetamide-   33.    2-(2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)-N-{6-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]pyridin-3-yl}acetamide-   34.    N-{6-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]pyridin-3-yl}-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamide    hydrochloride-   35. 2-(1H-benzo    [d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-N-{6-[4-chloro-5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]pyridin-3-yl}acetamide-   36.    4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-3-fluoro-N-(quinolin-6-ylmethyl)benzamide    hydrochloride-   37.    1-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-3-(quinolin-6-yl)urea:

TABLE 1

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

The compounds of the present invention (e.g., compounds of formulas I,IA, IA-I, IA-II, IA-III and/or IA-IV including their pharmaceuticallyacceptable esters and salts) are useful for the treatment, prevention,inhibition, and/or amelioration of diseases and disorders associatedwith calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for treating adisease or disorder via modulation of CRAC channels by administering toa patient in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound ofthe present invention (e.g., a compound of formula I, IA, IA-I, IA-II,IA-III and/or IA-IV as defined above).

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a method for treatinga disease or disorder via modulation of CRAC channels by administeringto a patient in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compoundof the present invention (e.g., a compound of formula I, IA, IA-I,IA-II, IA-III and/or IA-IV as defined above), in combination(simultaneously or sequentially) with at least one otheranti-inflammatory agent.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a method for treatinga disease or disorder via modulation of CRAC channels by administeringto a patient in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compoundof the present invention (e.g., a compound of formula I, IA, IA-I,IA-II, IA-III and/or IA-IV as defined above), in combination(simultaneously or sequentially) with at least one other anti-canceragent.

The compounds of the present invention may inhibit store operatedcalcium entry, interrupt the assembly of SOCE units, alter thefunctional interactions of proteins that form store operated calciumchannel complexes, and alter the functional interactions of STIM1 withOrai1. These compounds are SOC channel pore blockers, and are CRACchannel pore blockers.

The compounds described herein modulate intracellular calcium and areused in the treatment of diseases, disorders or conditions wheremodulation of intracellular calcium has a beneficial effect. In oneembodiment, the compounds described herein inhibit store operatedcalcium entry. In one embodiment, the compounds of the present inventioncapable of modulating intracellular calcium levels interrupt theassembly of SOCE units. In another embodiment, the compounds of thepresent invention capable of modulating intracellular calcium levelsalter the functional interactions of proteins that form store operatedcalcium channel complexes. In one embodiment, the compounds of thepresent invention capable of modulating intracellular calcium levelsalter the functional interactions of STIM1 with Orai1. In otherembodiments, the compounds of the present invention capable ofmodulating intracellular calcium levels are SOC channel pore blockers.In other embodiments, the compounds of the present invention capable ofmodulating intracellular calcium levels are CRAC channel pore blockers.

In one aspect, the compounds of the present invention capable ofmodulating intracellular calcium levels inhibit the electrophysiologicalcurrent (Isoc) directly associated with activated SOC channels. In oneaspect, compounds capable of modulating intracellular calcium levelsinhibit the electrophysiological current (ICRAc) directly associatedwith activated CRAC channels.

The compounds of the present invention are useful in the treatment ofdiseases, conditions or disorders that benefit from modulation ofintracellular calcium, including, but not limited to, an immunesystem-related disease (e.g., an autoimmune disease), a disease ordisorder involving inflammation (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructivepulmonary disease, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease,glomerulonephritis, neuroinflammatory diseases, multiple sclerosis,uveitis and disorders of the immune system), cancer or otherproliferative disease, hepatic diseases or disorders, and renal diseasesor disorders. In one embodiment, the compounds described herein are usedas immunosuppresants to prevent (or inhibit) transplant graftrejections, allogeneic or xenogeneic transplantation rejection (organ,bone marrow, stem cells, other cells and tissues), and/orgraft-versus—host disease. For instance, the compounds of the presentinvention can be used to prevent (or inhibit) transplant graftrejections result from tissue or organ transplants. The compounds of thepresent invention can also be used to prevent (or inhibit)graft-versus-host disease resulting from bone marrow or stem celltransplantation.

More particularly, the compounds of formula (I, IA, IA-I, IA-II, IA-IIIand/or IA-IV are useful in the treatment of a variety of inflammatorydiseases including, but not limited to, inflammation,glomerulonephritis, uveitis, hepatic diseases or disorders, renaldiseases or disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rheumatoidarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, vasculitis, dermatitis,osteoarthritis, inflammatory muscle disease, allergic rhinitis,vaginitis, interstitial cystitis, scleroderma, osteoporosis, eczema,allogeneic or xenogeneic transplantation, graft rejection,graft-versus-host disease, lupus erythematosus, type I diabetes,pulmonary fibrosis, dermatomyositis, thyroiditis, myasthenia gravis,autoimmune hemolytic anemia, cystic fibrosis, chronic relapsinghepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, allergic conjunctivitis, hepatitisand atopic dermatitis, asthma and Sjogren's syndrome

The compounds described herein modulate an activity of, modulate aninteraction of, or bind to, or interact with at least one portion of aprotein in the store operated calcium channel complex. In oneembodiment, the compounds described herein modulate an activity of,modulate an interaction of, or bind to, or interact with at least oneportion of a protein in the calcium release activated calcium channelcomplex. In one embodiment, the compounds described herein reduce thelevel of functional store operated calcium channel complexes. In anotherembodiment, the compounds described herein reduce the level of activatedstore operated calcium channel complexes. In a further embodiment, thestore operated calcium channel complexes are calcium release activatedcalcium channel complexes.

The compounds of the present invention which are capable of modulatingintracellular calcium levels for treatment of a disease or disorder,when administered to a subject having a disease or disorder, effectivelyreduce, ameliorate or eliminate a symptom or manifestation of thedisease, condition or disorder. In other embodiments, the compoundsdescribed herein are administered to a subject predisposed to a disease,condition or disorder that does not yet manifest a symptom of thedisease, condition or disorder, and prevents or delays development ofthe symptoms. In further embodiments, the compound of the presentinvention has such effects alone or in combination with other agents, orfunctions to enhance a therapeutic effect of another agent.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for treating aproliferative disease via modulation of calcium by administering to apatient in need of such treatment an effective amount of at least onecompound of formula I, IA, IA-I, IA-II, IA-III and/or IA-IV, as definedabove.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a method for treatinga proliferative disease via modulation of clacium by administering to apatient in need of such treatment an effective amount of at least onecompound of formula I, IA, IA-I, IA-II, IA-III and/or IA-IV, as definedabove, in combination (simultaneously or sequentially) with at least oneother anti-cancer agent. In one embodiment, the proliferative disease iscancer.

More particularly, the compounds of formula I, IA, IA-I, IA-II, IA-IIIand/or IA-IV and pharmaceutically acceptable esters or salts thereof canbe administered for the treatment, prevention and/or amelioration ofdiseases or disorders involving calcium, including but not limited to,cancer and other proliferative diseases or disorders.

The compounds of formula I, IA, IA-I, IA-II, IA-III and/or IA-IV areuseful in the treatment of a variety of cancers, including, but notlimited to, the following:

-   -   hematopoietic tumors of lymphoid lineage, including leukemia,        acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, B-cell        lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkins        lymphoma, hairy cell lymphoma and Burkett's lymphoma;    -   hematopoietic tumors of myeloid lineage, including acute and        chronic myelogenous leukemias, myelodysplastic syndrome and        promyelocytic leukemia;    -   carcinoma, including that of the bladder, breast, colon, kidney,        liver, lung, including small cell lung cancer, esophagus, gall        bladder, ovary, pancreas, stomach, cervix, thyroid, prostate,        and skin, including squamous cell carcinoma;    -   tumors of mesenchymal origin, including fibrosarcoma and        rhabdomyosarcoma;    -   tumors of the central and peripheral nervous system, including        astrocytoma, neuroblastoma, glioma and schwannomas; and    -   other tumors, including melanoma, seminoma, teratocarcinoma,        osteosarcoma, xenoderoma pigmentosum, keratoctanthoma, thyroid        follicular cancer and Kaposi's sarcoma.

Due to the key role of calcium in the regulation of cellularproliferation in general, calcium channel inhibitors could act asreversible cytostatic agents which may be useful in the treatment of anydisease process which features abnormal cellular proliferation, e.g.,benign prostatic hyperplasia, familial adenomatosis polyposis,neuro-fibromatosis, atherosclerosis, pulmonary fibrosis, arthritis,psoriasis, glomerulonephritis, restenosis following angioplasty orvascular surgery, hypertrophic scar formation, inflammatory boweldisease, transplantation rejection, endotoxic shock, and fungalinfections.

The compounds of the present invention, as modulators of apoptosis, areuseful in the treatment of cancer (including, but not limited to, thosetypes mentioned herein above), viral infections (including, but notlimited, to herpevirus, poxvirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Sindbis virus andadenovirus), prevention of AIDS development in HIV-infected individuals,autoimmune diseases (including, but not limited, to systemic lupus,erythematosus, autoimmune mediated glomerulonephritis, rheumatoidarthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and autoimmunediabetes mellitus), neurodegenerative disorders (including, but notlimited to, Alzheimer's disease, AIDS-related dementia, Parkinson'sdisease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, retinitis pigmentosa, spinalmuscular atrophy and cerebellar degeneration), myelodysplasticsyndromes, aplastic anemia, ischemic injury associated with myocardialinfarctions, stroke and reperfusion injury, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis,toxin-induced or alcohol related liver diseases, hematological diseases(including but not limited to chronic anemia and aplastic anemia),degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system (including, but notlimited to, osteoporosis and arthritis) aspirin-sensitiverhinosinusitis, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, kidney diseases andcancer pain.

The compounds of present invention can modulate the level of cellularRNA and DNA synthesis. These agents are therefore useful in thetreatment of viral infections (including, but not limited to, HIV, humanpapilloma virus, herpesvirus, poxvirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Sindbisvirus and adenovirus).

The compounds of the present invention are useful in the chemopreventionof cancer. Chemoprevention is defined as inhibiting the development ofinvasive cancer by either blocking the initiating mutagenic event or byblocking the progression of pre-malignant cells that have alreadysuffered an insult or inhibiting tumor relapse. The compounds are alsouseful in inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and metastasis.

The compounds of the present invention are also useful in combination(administered together or sequentially) with known anti-cancertreatments such as radiation therapy or with cytostatic or cytotoxic oranticancer agents, such as for example, but not limited to, DNAinteractive agents, such as cisplatin or doxorubicin; topoisomerase IIinhibitors, such as etoposide; topoisomerase I inhibitors such as CPT-11or topotecan; tubulin interacting agents, such as paclitaxel, docetaxelor the epothilones (for example, ixabepilone), either naturallyoccurring or synthetic; hormonal agents, such as tamoxifen; thymidilatesynthase inhibitors, such as 5-fluorouracil; and anti-metabolites, suchas methotrexate, other tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as Iressa andOSI-774; angiogenesis inhibitors; EGF inhibitors; VEGF inhibitors; CDKinhibitors; SRC inhibitors; c-Kit inhibitors; Her1/2 inhibitors andmonoclonal antibodies directed against growth factor receptors such aserbitux (EGF) and herceptin (Her2) and other protein kinase modulatorsas well.

The invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprisingone or more compounds of formula I, IA, IA-I, IA-II, IA-III and/or IA-IVand a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is a dosage form comprising oneor more compounds of the present invention, optionally with apharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The dosage form can be, forexample, a solid oral dosage form such as a tablet or capsule.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order that the invention may be readily understood and put intopractical effect, preferred embodiments will now be described by way ofexample with reference to the accompanying figures wherein likereference numerals refer to like parts and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a picture of a gel showing the mRNA expression of Orai1 andSTIM1 in A549 and NCI-H460 cell lines. Jurkat mRNA was used as acontrol.

FIG. 2 is a graph of the percentage of inhibition of thapsigargininduced calcium influx versus the logarithm of concentration of compoundA.

FIG. 3 is a graph of the percentage of inhibition of NCI-H460 cellproliferation versus the logarithm of concentration of compound A.

FIG. 4 is a picture of a gel showing the effect of compound B on Oraiand STIM expression in the NCI-H460 cell line.

FIG. 5 is a graph of the tumor volume in female Balb/c nude mice bearinga NCI-H460 non-small cell lung cancer xenograft, which is being treatedwith a vehicle, taxol, or compound A.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as is commonly understood in the field to whichthe claimed subject matter belongs. In the event that there is aplurality of definitions for terms herein, those in this sectionprevail.

It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and thefollowing detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only andare not restrictive of any subject matter claimed. In this application,the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically statedotherwise. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and theappended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In thisapplication, the use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise.Furthermore, use of the term “including” as well as other forms, such as“include”, “includes,” and “included,” is not limiting.

Definition of standard chemistry and molecular biology terms are foundin reference works, including but not limited to, Carey and Sundberg“ADVANCED ORGANIC CHEMISTRY 4^(th) edition” Vols. A (2000) and B (2001),Plenum Press, New York and “MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE CELL 5^(th)edition” (2007), Garland Science, New York. Unless otherwise indicated,conventional methods of mass spectroscopy, NMR, HPLC, protein chemistry,biochemistry, recombinant DNA techniques and pharmacology, arecontemplated within the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Unless specific definitions are provided, the nomenclature employed inconnection with, and the laboratory procedures and techniques of,analytical chemistry, and medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistrydescribed herein are those generally used. In some embodiments, standardtechniques are used for chemical analyses, pharmaceutical preparation,formulation, and delivery, and treatment of patients. In otherembodiments, standard techniques are used for recombinant DNA,oligonucleotide synthesis, and tissue culture and transformation (e.g.,electroporation, lipofection). In finer embodiments, reactions andpurification techniques are performed e.g., using kits of manufacturer'sspecifications or as described herein. The foregoing techniques andprocedures are generally performed by conventional methods and asdescribed in various general and more specific references that are citedand discussed throughout the present specification.

As used herein the following definitions shall apply unless otherwiseindicated. Further many of the groups defined herein can be optionallysubstituted. The listing of substituents in the definition is exemplaryand is not to be construed to limit the substituents defined elsewherein the specification.

The term ‘alkyl’ refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon chainradical consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, containing nounsaturation, having from one to eight carbon atoms, and which isattached to the rest of the molecule by a single bond, e.g., methyl,ethyl, n-propyl, 1-methylethyl (isopropyl), n-butyl, n-pentyl, and1,1-dimethylethyl (t-butyl).

The term substituted or unsubstituted (C₁₋₆) alkyl refers to an alkylgroup as defined above having up to 6 carbon atoms.

The term “alkenyl” refers to an aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing acarbon-carbon double bond and which may be a straight or branched orbranched chain having about 2 to about 10 carbon atoms, e.g., ethenyl,1-propenyl, 2-propenyl (allyl), iso-propenyl, 2-methyl-1-propenyl,1-butenyl, and 2-butenyl.

The term substituted or unsubstituted (C₁₋₆)alkenyl refers to an alkenylgroup as defined above having up to 6 carbon atoms.

The term “alkynyl” refers to a straight or branched chain hydrocarbylradical having at least one carbon-carbon triple bond, and having in therange of about 2 up to 12 carbon atoms (with radicals having in therange of about 2 to 10 carbon atoms presently being preferred) e.g.,ethynyl, propynyl, and butnyl.

The term substituted or unsubstituted (C₁₋₆) alkynyl refers to analkynyl group as defined above having up to 6 carbon atoms.

The term “alkoxy” denotes an alkyl group as defined above attached viaan oxygen linkage to the rest of the molecule. Representative examplesof those groups are —OCH₃ and —OC₂H₅.

The term “cycloalkyl” denotes a non-aromatic mono or multicyclic ringsystem of about 3 to 12 carbon atoms such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl,cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl. Non-limiting examples of multicycliccycloalkyl groups include perhydronapththyl, adamantly, norbornyl groups(bridged cyclic group), or spirobicyclic groups e.g. spiro (4,4)non-2-yl.

The term “cycloalkylalkyl” refers to a cyclic ring-containing radicalcontaining in the range of about 3 up to 8 carbon atoms directlyattached to an alkyl group which is then attached to the main structureat any carbon in the alkyl group that results in the creation of astable structure such as cyclopropylmethyl, cyclobuyylethyl, andcyclopentylethyl.

The term “cycloalkenyl” refers to a cyclic ring-containing radicalcontaining in the range of about 3 up to 8 carbon atoms with at leastone carbon-carbon double bond such as cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, andcyclopentenyl.

The term “aryl” refers to an aromatic radical having in the range of 6up to 20 carbon atoms such as phenyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronapthyl,indanyl, and biphenyl.

The term “arylalkyl” refers to an aryl group as defined above directlybonded to an alkyl group as defined above, e.g., —CH₂C₆H₅, and—C₂H₅C₆H₅.

The term “heterocyclic ring” refers to a non-aromatic 3 to 15 memberring radical which, consists of carbon atoms and at least one heteroatomselected from the group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, oxygen andsulfur. For purposes of this invention, the heterocyclic ring radicalmay be a mono-, bi-, tri- or tetracyclic ring system, which may includefused, bridged or spiro ring systems, and the nitrogen, phosphorus,carbon, oxygen or sulfur atoms in the heterocyclic ring radical may beoptionally oxidized to various oxidation states. In addition, thenitrogen atom may be optionally quaternized. The heterocyclic ringradical may be attached to the main structure at any heteroatom orcarbon atom that results in the creation of a stable structure.

The term “heteroaryl” refers to an optionally substituted 5-14 memberaromatic ring having one or more heteroatoms selected from N, O, and Sas ring atoms. The heteroaryl may be a mono-, bi- or tricyclic ringsystem. Examples of such heteroaryl ring radicals includes but are notlimited to oxazolyl, thiazolyl imidazolyl, pyrrolyl, furanyl, pyridinyl,pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, benzofuranyl, indolyl, benzothiazolyl,benzoxazolyl, carbazolyl, quinolyl and isoquinolyl. The heteroaryl ringradical may be attached to the main structure at any heteroatom orcarbon atom that results in the creation of a stable structure.

Examples of such “heterocyclic ring” or “heteroaryl” radicals include,but are not limited to, azetidinyl, acridinyl, benzodioxolyl,benzodioxanyl, benzofurnyl, carbazolyl, cinnolinyl, dioxolanyl,indolizinyl, naphthyridinyl, perhydroazepinyl, phenazinyl,phenothiazinyl, phenoxazinyl, phthalazinyl, pyridyl, pteridinyl,purinyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl,tetrazoyl, imidazolyl, tetrahydroisouinolyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl,2-oxopiperazinyl, 2-oxopiperidinyl, 2-oxopyrrolidinyl, 2-oxoazepinyl,azepinyl, pyrrolyl, 4-piperidonyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl,pyridazinyl, oxazolyl, oxazolinyl, oxasolidinyl, triazolyl, indanyl,isoxazolyl, isoxasolidinyl, morpholinyl, thiazolyl, thiazolinyl,thiazolidinyl, isothiazolyl, quinuclidinyl, isothiazolidinyl, indolyl,isoindolyl, indolinyl, isoindolinyl, octahydroindolyl,octahydroisoindolyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, decahydroisoquinolyl,benzimidazolyl, thiadiazolyl, benzopyranyl, benzothiazolyl,benzooxazolyl, furyl, tetrahydrofurtyl, tetrahydropyranyl, thienyl,benzothienyl, thiamorpholinyl, thiamorpholinyl sulfoxide thiamorpholinylsulfone, dioxaphospholanyl, oxadiazolyl, chromanyl, isochromanyl and thelike.

The term “heteroarylalkyl” refers to a heteroaryl ring radical asdefined above directly bonded to an alkyl group. The heteroarylalkylradical may be attached to the main structure at any carbon atom fromthe alkyl group that results in the creation of a stable structure.

The term “heterocyclylalkyl” refers to a heterocylic ring radical asdefined above directly bonded to an alkyl group. The heterocyclylalkylradical may be attached to the main structure at carbon atom in thealkyl group that results in the creation of a stable structure.

The term “substituted” unless otherwise specified refers to substitutionwith any one or any combination of the following substituents: hydrogen,hydroxy, halogen, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, oxo (═O), thio(═S),substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy,substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl, substituted or unsubstitutedalkynyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstitutedarylalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted cycloalkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl,substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted heterocyclylalkylring, substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted heterocyclic ring, substituted or unsubstituted guanidine,—COOR^(x), —C(O)R^(x), —C(S)R^(x), —C(O)NR^(x)R^(y), —C(O)ONR^(x)R^(y),—NR^(y)R^(z), —NR^(x)CONR^(y)R^(z), —N(R^(x))SOR^(y), —N(R^(x))SO₂R^(y),—(═N—N(R^(x))R^(y)), —NR^(x) C(O)OR^(y), —NR^(x)R^(y),—NR^(x)C(O)R^(y)—, —NR^(x)C(S)R^(y), —NR^(x)C(S)NR^(y)R^(z),—SONR^(x)R^(y)—, —SO₂NR^(x)R^(y)—, —OR^(x), —OR^(x)C(O)NR^(y)R^(z),—OR^(x)C(O)OR^(y)—, —OC(O)R^(x), —OC(O)NR^(x)R^(y),—R^(x)NR^(y)C(O)R^(z), —R^(x)OR^(y), —R^(x)C(O)OR^(y),—R^(x)C(O)NR^(y)R^(z), —R^(x)C(O)R^(x), —R^(x)OC(O)R^(y), —SR^(x),—SOR^(x), —SO₂R^(x), and —ONO₂, wherein R^(x), R^(y) and R^(z) in eachof the above groups can be hydrogen atom, substituted or unsubstitutedalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy, substituted or unsubstitutedalkenyl, substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl, substituted orunsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted arylalkyl, substitutedor unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkenyl,substituted or unsubstituted amino, substituted or unsubstituted aryl,substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, substituted heterocyclylalkylring, substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted heterocyclic ring, or any two of R^(x), R^(y) and R^(z)may be joined to form a substituted or unsubstituted saturated orunsaturated 3-10 member ring, which may optionally include heteroatomswhich may be same or different and are selected from O, NR^(x) or S. Thesubstituents in the aforementioned “substituted” groups cannot befurther substituted. For example, when the substituent on “substitutedalkyl” is “substituted aryl”, the substituent on “substituted aryl”cannot be “substituted alkenyl”. Substitution or the combination ofsubstituents envisioned by this invention are preferably those resultingin the formation of a stable compound.

The term “halogen” or “halo” refers to radicals of fluorine, chlorine,bromine and iodine.

The term “protecting group” or “PG” refers to a substituent that isemployed to block or protect a particular functionality. Otherfunctional groups on the compound may remain reactive. For example, an“amino-protecting group” is a substituent attached to an amino groupthat blocks or protects the amino functionality in the compound.Suitable amino-protecting groups include, but are not limited to,acetyl, trifluoroacetyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl (BOC), benzyloxycarbonyl(CBz) and 9-fluorenylmethylenoxycarbonyl (Fmoc). Similarly, a“hydroxy-protecting group” refers to a substituent of a hydroxy groupthat blocks or protects the hydroxy functionality. Suitablehydroxy-protecting groups include, but are not limited to, acetyl andsilyl. A “carboxy-protecting group” refers to a substituent of thecarboxy group that blocks or protects the carboxy functionality.Suitable carboxy-protecting groups include, but are not limited to,—CH₂CH₂SO2Ph, cyanoethyl, 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl, 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxymethyl, 2-toluenesulfonyl)ethyl,2-(p-nitrophenylsulfenyl)ethyl, 2-dipheny-1-phosphino)-ethyl andnitroethyl. For a general description of protecting groups and theiruse, see T. W. Greene, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, JohnWiley & Sons, New York, 1991.

The term “stereoisomer” refers to compounds, which have identicalchemical composition, but differ with regard to arrangement of the atomsand the groups in space.

These include enantiomers, diastereomers, geometrical isomers,atropisomer or conformational isomers.

All the stereoisomers of compounds described herein are within the scopeof this invention. Racemic mixtures are also encompassed within thescope of this invention. Therefore, single stereochemical isomers aswell enantiomeric, diastereoisomeric and geometric (or conformational)mixtures of the present compounds fall within the scope of theinvention.

The term “tautomers” refers to compounds, which are characterized byrelatively easy interconversion of isomeric forms in equilibrium. Theseisomers are intended to be covered by this invention.

The term “prodrug” refers to compounds, which are an inactive precursorof a compound, converted into its active form in the body by normalmetabolic processes.

The term “ester” refers to compounds, which are formed by reactionbetween an acid and an alcohol with elimination of water. An ester canbe represented by the formula RCOOR′, where R is the base compound andR¹ is the ester moiety (e.g., an ethyl group).

Additionally the instant invention also includes the compounds whichdiffer only in the presence of one or more isotopically enriched atomsfor example replacement of hydrogen with deuterium and the like.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts forming part of this invention includesalts derived from inorganic bases such as Li, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu,Zn, and Mn; salts of organic bases such as N,N′-diacetylethylenediamine,glucamine, triethylamine, choline, hydroxide, dicyclohexylamine,metformin, benzylamine, trialkylamine, and thiamine; chiral bases suchas alkylphenylamine, glycinol, and phenyl glycinol; salts of naturalamino acids such as glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine,norleucine, tyrosine, cystine, cysteine, methionine, proline, hydroxyproline, histidine, omithine, lysine, arginine, and serine; quaternaryammonium salts of the compounds of invention with alkyl halides or alkylsulphates such as MeI and (Me)₂SO₄; non-natural amino acids such asD-isomers or substituted amino acids; guanidine or substituted guanidinewherein the substituents are selected from nitro, amino, alkyl, alkenyl,alkynyl, ammonium or substituted ammonium salts and aluminum salts.Salts may include acid addition salts where appropriate which aresulphates, nitrates, phosphates, perchlorates, borates, hydrohalides,acetates, tartrates, maleates, citrates, fumarates, succinates,palmoates, methanesulphonates, benzoates, salicylates,benzenesulfonates, ascorbates, glycerophosphates, and ketoglutarates.

The term “subject” or “patient” encompasses mammals and non-mammals.Examples of mammals include, but are not limited to, any member of theMammalian class: humans, non-human primates such as chimpanzees, andother apes and monkey species; farm animals such as cattle, horses,sheep, goats, and swine; domestic animals such as rabbits, dogs, andcats; and laboratory animals including rodents, such as rats, mice andguinea pigs. Examples of non-mammals include, but are not limited to,birds, and fish. In one embodiment of the methods and compositionsprovided herein, the mammal is a human.

The terms “treat,” “treating” or “treatment,” as used herein, includealleviating, abating or ameliorating a disease, disorder or conditionsymptoms, preventing additional symptoms, ameliorating or preventing theunderlying causes of symptoms, inhibiting the disease, disorder orcondition, e.g., arresting the development of the disease, disorder orcondition, relieving the disease, disorder or condition, causingregression of the disease, disorder or condition, relieving a conditioncaused by the disease, disorder or condition, or stopping the symptomsof the disease, disorder or condition either prophylactically and/ortherapeutically.

As used herein, the term “target protein” refers to a protein or aportion of a protein capable of being bound by, or interacting with acompound described herein, such as a compound capable of modulating aSTIM protein and/or an Orai protein. In certain embodiments, a targetprotein is a STIM protein. In other embodiments, a target protein is anOrai protein, and in yet other embodiments, the compound targets bothSTIM and Orai proteins.

The term “STIM protein” refers to any protein situated in theendoplasmic reticular or plasma membrane which activates an increase inrate of calcium flow into a cell by a CRAC channel. (STIM refers to astromal interaction molecule.) As used herein, “STIM protein” includesbut is not limited to, mammalian STIM-1, such as human and rodent (e.g.,mouse) STIM-1, Drosophila melanogaster D-STIM, C. elegans C-STIM,Anopheles gambiae STIM and mammalian STIM-2, such as human and rodent(e.g., mouse) STIM-2. As described herein, such proteins have beenidentified as being involved in, participating in and/or providing forstore-operated calcium entry or modulation thereof, cytoplasmic calciumbuffering and/or modulation of calcium levels in or movement of calciuminto, within or out of intracellular calcium stores (e.g., endoplasmicreticulum).

It will be appreciated by “activate” or “activation” it is meant thecapacity of a STIM protein to up-regulate, stimulate, enhance orotherwise facilitate calcium flow into a cell by a CRAC channel. It isenvisaged that cross-talk between the STIM protein and the CRAC channelmay occur by either a direct or indirect molecular interaction.Suitably, the STIM protein is a transmembrane protein which isassociated with, or in close proximity to, a CRAC channel.

It is known in the art that STIM1 is an essential component of CRACchannel activation. The present inventors have observed that STIM1 andSTIM2 is expressed in certain NSCLC cell lines. Moreover, CRACM1/Orai1and CRACM3/Orai3 are excessively expressed in certain NSCLC cell lines.Although not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, CRAC and STIMproteins potentially contribute to activation of proliferative pathwaysin NSCLC cells in the following manner: (i) excessive dysregulation ofSTIM in NSCLC cells results in incorrect plasma membrane accumulation ofSTIM and (ii) at the plasma membrane, STIM activates CRAC (by either adirect or indirect interaction), which results in excessive calciuminflux into the cell and promotion of transcription, proliferation andinvasiveness in NSCLC cells. Hence, inhibition of the CRAC channel orthe STIM pathway is an effective treatment for NSCLC.

As used herein, an “Orai protein” includes Orai1 (SEQ ID NO: 1 asdescribed in WO 07/081,804), Orai2 (SEQ ID NO: 2 as described in WO07/081,804), or Orai3 (SEQ ID NO: 3 as described in WO 07/081,804).Orai1 nucleic acid sequence corresponds to GenBank accession numberNM-032790, Orai2 nucleic acid sequence corresponds to GenBank accessionnumber BC069270 and Orai3 nucleic acid sequence corresponds to GenBankaccession number NM-152288. As used herein, Orai refers to any one ofthe Orai genes, e.g., Orai1, Orai2, and Orai3 (see Table I of WO07/081,804). As described herein, such proteins have been identified asbeing involved in, participating in and/or providing for store-operatedcalcium entry or modulation thereof, cytoplasmic calcium bufferingand/or modulation of calcium levels in or movement of calcium into,within or out of intracellular calcium stores (e.g., endoplasmicreticulum). In alternative embodiments, an Orai protein may be labelledwith a tag molecule, by way of example only, an enzyme fragment, aprotein (e.g. c-myc or other tag protein or fragment thereof), an enzymetag, a fluorescent tag, a fluorophore tag, a chromophore tag, aRaman-activated tag, a chemiluminescent tag, a quantum dot marker, anantibody, a radioactive tag, or combination thereof.

The term “fragment” or “derivative” when referring to a protein (e.g.STIM, Orai) means proteins or polypeptides which retain essentially thesame biological function or activity in at least one assay as the nativeprotein(s). For example, the fragment or derivative of the referencedprotein preferably maintains at least about 50% of the activity of thenative protein, at least 75%, or at least about 95% of the activity ofthe native protein, as determined, e.g., by a calcium influx assay.

As used herein, “amelioration” refers to an improvement in a disease orcondition or at least a partial relief of symptoms associated with adisease or condition.

As used herein, amelioration of the symptoms of a particular disease,disorder or condition by administration of a particular compound orpharmaceutical composition refers to any lessening of severity, delay inonset, slowing of progression, or shortening of duration, whetherpermanent or temporary, lasting or transient that are attributed to orassociated with administration of the compound or composition.

The term “modulate,” as used herein, means to interact with a targetprotein either directly or indirectly so as to alter the activity of thetarget protein, including, by way of example only, to inhibit theactivity of the target, or to limit or reduce the activity of thetarget.

As used herein, the term “modulator” refers to a compound that alters anactivity of a target (e.g., a target protein). For example, in someembodiments, a modulator causes an increase or decrease in the magnitudeof a certain activity of a target compared to the magnitude of theactivity in the absence of the modulator. In certain embodiments, amodulator is an inhibitor, which decreases the magnitude of one or moreactivities of a target. In certain embodiments, an inhibitor completelyprevents one or more activities of a target.

As used herein, “modulation” with reference to intracellular calciumrefers to any alteration or adjustment in intracellular calciumincluding but not limited to alteration of calcium concentration in thecytoplasm and/or intracellular calcium storage organelles, e.g.,endoplasmic reticulum, or alteration of the kinetics of calcium fluxesinto, out of and within cells. In aspect, modulation refers toreduction.

The terms “inhibits”, “inhibiting”, or “inhibitor” of SOC channelactivity or CRAC channel activity, as used herein, refer to inhibitionof store operated calcium channel activity or calcium release activatedcalcium channel activity.

The term “acceptable” with respect to a formulation, composition oringredient, as used herein, means having no persistent detrimentaleffect on the general health of the subject being treated.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable,” molecular entities andcompositions that are physiologically tolerable and do not typicallyproduce an allergic or similar untoward reaction, such as gastric upset,and dizziness, when administered to a human. Preferably, as used herein,the term “pharmaceutically acceptable” means approved by a regulatoryagency of the federal or a state government or listed in the U.S.Pharmacopeia or other generally recognized pharmacopeia for use inanimals, and more particularly in humans.

The term “pharmaceutical composition” refers to a mixture of a compoundof the present invention with other chemical components, such ascarriers, stabilizers, diluents, dispersing agents, suspending agents,thickening agents, and/or excipients.

The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of the present inventioncan be administered by various routes of administration including, butnot limited to, intravenous, oral, aerosol, parenteral, ophthalmic,pulmonary and topical administration.

The terms “effective amount” or “therapeutically effective amount,” asused herein, refer to a sufficient amount of an agent or a compoundbeing administered which will relieve to some extent one or more of thesymptoms of the disease or condition being treated. The result isreduction and/or alleviation of the signs, symptoms, or causes of adisease, or any other desired alteration of a biological system. Forexample, an “effective amount” for therapeutic uses is the amount of acompound of the present invention required to provide a clinicallysignificant decrease in disease symptoms. In some embodiments, anappropriate “effective” amount in any individual case is determinedusing techniques, such as a dose escalation study.

The terms “enhance” or “enhancing,” as used herein, means to increase orprolong either in potency or duration a desired effect. Thus, in regardto enhancing the effect of therapeutic agents, the term “enhancing”refers to the ability to increase or prolong, either in potency orduration, the effect of other therapeutic agents on a system. An“enhancing-effective amount,” as used herein, refers to an amountadequate to enhance the effect of another therapeutic agent in a desiredsystem.

The term “carrier,” as used herein, refers to relatively nontoxicchemical compounds or agents that facilitate the incorporation of acompound into cells or tissues.

The term “diluent” refers to chemical compounds that are used to dilutethe compound of interest prior to delivery. In some embodiments,diluents are used to stabilize compounds because they provide a morestable environment. Salts dissolved in buffered solutions (which alsoprovide pH control or maintenance) are utilized as diluents, including,but not limited to a phosphate buffered saline solution.

By “cancerous cell” is meant a cell from the lung, inclusive of apre-malignant cell, a neoplastic cell, a malignant cell, a tumorigeniccell, a non-tumorigenic cell and a lung cancer stern cell.

As used herein, “intracellular calcium” refers to calcium located in acell without specification of a particular cellular location. Incontrast, “cytosolic” or “cytoplasmic” with reference to calcium refersto calcium located in the cell cytoplasm.

As used herein, an effect on intracellular calcium is any alteration ofany aspect of intracellular calcium, including but not limited to, analteration in intracellular calcium levels and location and movement ofcalcium into, out of or within a cell or intracellular calcium store ororganelle. For example, in some embodiments, an effect on intracellularcalcium is an alteration of the properties, such as, for example, thekinetics, sensitivities, rate, amplitude, and electrophysiologicalcharacteristics, of calcium flux or movement that occurs in a cell orportion thereof. In some embodiments, an effect on intracellular calciumis an alteration in any intracellular calcium-modulating process,including, store-operated calcium entry, cytosolic calcium buffering,and calcium levels in or movement of calcium into, out of or within anintracellular calcium store. Any of these aspects are assessed in avariety of ways including, but not limited to, evaluation of calcium orother ion (particularly cation) levels, movement of calcium or other ion(particularly cation), fluctuations in calcium or other ion(particularly cation) levels, kinetics of calcium or other ion(particularly cation) fluxes and/or transport of calcium or other ion(particularly cation) through a membrane. An alteration is any suchchange that is statistically significant. Thus, for example, in someembodiments, if intracellular calcium in a test cell and a control cellis said to differ, such differences are a statistically significantdifference.

Modulation of intracellular calcium is any alteration or adjustment inintracellular calcium including but not limited to alteration of calciumconcentration or level in the cytoplasm and/or intracellular calciumstorage organelles, e.g., endoplasmic reticulum, alteration in themovement of calcium into, out of and within a cell or intracellularcalcium store or organelle, alteration in the location of calcium withina cell, and alteration of the kinetics, or other properties, of calciumfluxes into, out of and within cells. In some embodiments, intracellularcalcium modulation involves alteration or adjustment, e.g. reduction orinhibition, of store-operated calcium entry, cytosolic calciumbuffering, calcium levels in or movement of calcium into, out of orwithin an intracellular calcium store or organelle, and/or basal orresting cytosolic calcium levels.

The modulation of intracellular calcium involves an alteration oradjustment in receptor-mediated ion (e.g., calcium) movement, secondmessenger-operated ion (e.g., calcium) movement, calcium influx into orefflux out of a cell, and/or ion (e.g., calcium) uptake into or releasefrom intracellular compartments, including, for example, endosomes andlysosomes.

As used herein, “involved in”, with respect to the relationship betweena protein and an aspect of intracellular calcium or intracellularcalcium regulation means that when expression or activity of the proteinin a cell is reduced, altered or eliminated, there is a concomitant orassociated reduction, alteration or elimination of one or more aspectsof intracellular calcium or intracellular calcium regulation. Such analteration or reduction in expression or activity occurs by virtue of analteration of expression of a gene encoding the protein or by alteringthe levels of the protein. A protein involved in an aspect ofintracellular calcium, such as, for example, store-operated calciumentry, thus, are one that provides for or participates in an aspect ofintracellular calcium or intracellular calcium regulation. For example,a protein that provides for store-operated calcium entry are a STIMprotein and/or an Orai protein.

As used herein, a protein that is a component of a calcium channel is aprotein that participates in multi-protein complex that forms thechannel.

As used herein, “cation entry” or “calcium entry” into a cell refers toentry of cations, such as calcium, into an intracellular location, suchas the cytoplasm of a cell or into the lumen of an intracellularorganelle or storage site. Thus, in some embodiments, cation entry is,for example, the movement of cations into the cell cytoplasm from theextracellular medium or from an intracellular organelle or storage site,or the movement of cations into an intracellular organelle or storagesite from the cytoplasm or extracellular medium. Movement of calciuminto the cytoplasm from an intracellular organelle or storage site isalso referred to as “calcium release” from the organelle or storagesite.

As used herein, “cell response” refers to any cellular response thatresults from ion movement into or out of a cell or within a cell. Insome embodiments, the cell response is associated with any cellularactivity that is dependent, at least in part, on ions such as, forexample, calcium. Such activities optionally include, for example,cellular activation, gene expression, endocytosis, exocytosis, cellulartrafficking and apoptotic cell death.

As used herein, “immune cells” include cells of the immune system andcells that perform a function or activity in an immune response, suchas, but not limited to, T-cells, B-cells, lymphocytes, macrophages,dendritic cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, mast cells, plasmacells, white blood cells, antigen presenting cells and natural killercells.

As used herein, “cytokine” or “cytokines” refers to small solubleproteins secreted by cells that in some embodiments, alter the behavioror properties of the secreting cell or another cell. Cytokines bind tocytokine receptors and trigger a behavior or property within the cell,for example, cell proliferation, death or differentiation. Exemplarycytokines include, but are not limited to, interleukins (e.g., IL-2,IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-11, IL-12, IL-13,IL-15, IL-16, IL-17, IL-18, IL-1.alpha., IL-1.beta., and IL-1 RA),granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophagecolony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), oncostatin M, erythropoietin,leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), interferons, B7.1 (also known asCD80), B7.2 (also known as B70, CD86), TNF family members (TNF-.alpha.,TNF-.beta., LT-.beta., CD40 ligand, Fas ligand, CD27 ligand, CD30ligand, 4-1BBL, Trail), and MIF.

“Store operated calcium entry” or “SOCE” refers to the mechanism bywhich release of calcium ions from intracellular stores is coordinatedwith ion influx across the plasma membrane.

Cellular calcium homeostasis is a result of the summation of regulatorysystems involved in the control of intracellular calcium levels andmovements. Cellular calcium homeostasis is achieved, at least in part,by calcium binding and by movement of calcium into and out of the cellacross the plasma membrane and within the cell by movement of calciumacross membranes of intracellular organelles including, for example, theendoplasmic reticulum, sarcoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria andendocytic organelles including endosomes and lysosomes.

Movement of calcium across cellular membranes is carried out byspecialized proteins. For example, calcium from the extracellular spaceenters the cell through various calcium channels and a sodium/calciumexchanger and is actively extruded from the cell by calcium pumps andsodium/calcium exchangers. Calcium is also released from internal storesthrough inositol trisphosphate or ryanodine receptors and is likelytaken up by these organelles by means of calcium pumps.

Calcium enters cells by any of several general classes of channels,including but not limited to, voltage-operated calcium (VOC) channels,store-operated calcium (SOC) channels, and sodium/calcium exchangersoperating in reverse mode. VOC channels are activated by membranedepolarization and are found in excitable cells like nerve and muscleand are for the most part not found in nonexcitable cells. Under someconditions, Ca²⁺ also enters cells via Na⁺—Ca²⁺ exchangers operating inreverse mode.

Endocytosis provides another process by which cells take up calcium fromthe extracellular medium through endosomes. In addition, some cells,e.g., exocrine cells, release calcium via exocytosis.

Cytosolic calcium concentration is tightly regulated with resting levelsusually estimated at approximately 0.1.mu.M in mammalian cells, whereasthe extracellular calcium concentration is typically about 2 mM. Thistight regulation facilitates transduction of signals into and withincells through transient calcium flux across the plasma membrane andmembranes of intracellular organelles. There is a multiplicity ofintracellular calcium transport and buffer systems in cells that serveto shape intracellular calcium signals and maintain the low restingcytoplasmic calcium concentration. In cells at rest, the principalcomponents involved in maintaining basal calcium levels are calciumpumps and leaks in the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane.

Disturbance of resting cytosolic calcium levels effects transmission ofsuch signals and give rise to defects in a number of cellular processes.For example, cell proliferation involves a prolonged calcium signallingsequence. Other cellular processes include, but are not limited to,secretion, signalling, and fertilization, involve calcium signalling.

Cell-surface receptors that activate phospholipase C(PLC) createcytosolic Ca²⁺ signals from intra- and extra-cellular sources. Aninitial transient rise of [Ca²⁺ ]_(i) (intracellular calciumconcentration) results from the release of Ca²⁺ from the endoplasmicreticulum (ER), which is triggered by the PLC product,inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (P₃), opening IP₃ receptors in the ER(Streb et al. Nature, 306, 67-69, 1983). A subsequent phase of sustainedCa²⁺ entry across the plasma membrane then ensues, through specializedstore operated calcium (SOC) channels (in the case of immune cells theSOC channels are calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels) inthe plasma membrane. Store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) is the process inwhich the emptying of Ca²⁺ stores itself activates Ca²⁺ channels in theplasma membrane to help refill the stores (Putney, Cell Calcium, 7,1-12, 1986; Parekh et al, Physiol. Rev. 757-810; 2005). SOCE does morethan simply provide Ca²⁺ for refilling stores, but itself generatessustained Ca²⁺ signals that control such essential functions as geneexpression, cell metabolism and exocytosis (Parekh and Putney, Physiol.Rev. 85, 757-810 (2005).

In lymphocytes and mast cells, activation of antigen or Fc receptorscauses the release of Ca²⁺ from intracellular stores, which in turnleads to Ca²⁺ influx through CRAC channels in the plasma membrane. Thesubsequent rise in intracellular Ca²⁺ activates calcineurin, aphosphatase that regulates the transcription factor NFAT. In restingcells, NFAT is phosphorylated and resides in the cytoplasm, but whendephosphorylated by calcineurin, NFAT translocates to the nucleus andactivates different genetic programmes depending on stimulationconditions and cell type. In response to infections and duringtransplant rejection, NFAT partners with the transcription factor AP-1(Fos-Jun) in the nucleus of “effector” T cells, thereby transactivatingcytokine genes, genes that regulate T cell proliferation and other genesthat orchestrate an active immune response (Rao et al., Annu RevImmunol, 1997; 15:707-47). In contrast, in T cells recognizing selfantigens, NFAT is activated in the absence of AP-1, and activates atranscriptional programme otherwise known as “anergy” that suppressesautoimmune responses (Macian et al., Transcriptional mechanismsunderlying lymphocyte tolerance. Cell. 2002 Jun. 14; 109(6):719-31). Ina subclass of T cells, known as regulatory T cells which suppressautoimmunity mediated by self-reactive effector T cells, NFAT partnerswith the transcription factor FOXP3 to activate genes responsible forsuppressor function (Wu et al., Cell, 2006 Jul. 28; 126(2):375-87;Rudensky A Y, Gavin M, Zheng Y. Cell. 2006 Jul. 28; 126(2):253-256).

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) carries out a variety processes. The ERhas a role as both an agonist-sensitive Ca²⁺ store and sink, proteinfolding/processing takes place within its lumen. Here, numerousCa²⁺-dependent chaperone proteins ensure that newly synthesized proteinsare folded correctly and sent off to the appropriate destination. The ERis also involved in vesicle trafficking, release of stress signals,regulation of cholesterol metabolism, and apoptosis. Many of theseprocesses require intraluminal Ca²⁺, and protein misfolding, ER stressresponses, and apoptosis are all likely induced by depleting the ER ofCa²⁺ for prolonged periods of time. Because of its role as a source ofCa²⁺, it is clear that ER Ca²⁺ content must fall after stimulation.However, to preserve the functional integrity of the ER, it is vitalthat the Ca²⁺ content does not fall too low or is maintained at a lowlevel. Replenishment of the ER with Ca²⁺ is therefore a central processto all eukaryotic cells. Because a fall in ER Ca²⁺ content activatesstore-operated Ca²⁺ channels in the plasma membrane, a major function ofthis Ca²⁺ entry pathway is believed to be maintenance of ER Ca²⁺ levelsthat are necessary for proper protein synthesis and folding. However,store-operated Ca²⁺ channels have other important roles.

The understanding of store operated calcium entry was provided byelectrophysiological studies which established that the process ofemptying the stores activated a Ca²⁺ current in mast cells called Ca²⁺release-activated Ca²⁺ current or I_(CRAC). I_(CRAC) is non-voltageactivated, inwardly rectifying, and remarkably selective for Ca²⁺. It isfound in several cell types mainly of hemopoietic origin. I_(CRAC) isnot the only store-operated current, and it is now apparent thatstore-operated influx encompasses a family of Ca²⁺-permeable channels,with different properties in different cell types. I_(CRAC) Was thefirst store-operated Ca²⁺ current to be described and remains a popularmodel for studying store-operated influx.

Effects of compounds or agents on intracellular calcium can be monitoredusing various screening/identification methods which provide for adirect or indirect evaluation or measurement of cellular (includingcytosolic and intracellular organelle or compartment) calcium and/ormovement of ions into, within or out of a cell, organelle, calcium storeor portions thereof (e.g., a membrane). A variety of methods can be usedfor evaluating calcium levels and ion movements or flux. The particularmethod used and the conditions employed would depend on whether aparticular aspect of intracellular calcium is being monitored orassessed. For example, in some aspects, reagents and conditions may beused for specifically evaluating store-operated calcium entry, restingcytosolic calcium levels, calcium buffering and calcium levels anduptake by or release from intracellular organelles and calcium stores.Alternately, the effect of a compound or agent on intracellular calciumcan be monitored or assessed using, for example, a cell, anintracellular organelle or calcium storage compartment, a membrane(including, e.g., a detached membrane patch or a lipid bilayer) or acell-free assay system (e.g., outside-out membrane vesicle). Generally,some aspect of intracellular calcium is monitored or assessed in thepresence of test agent and compared to a control, e.g., intracellularcalcium in the absence of test agent.

Diseases, Disorders or Conditions

Clinical studies demonstrate that the CRAC channel is absolutelyrequired for the activation of genes underlying the T cell response toantigen. Sustained calcium entry is needed for lymphocyte activation andadaptive immune response. Calcium entry into lymphocytes occursprimarily through the CRAC channels. Increased calcium leads to NFATactivation and expression of cytokines required for immune response.Inhibiting the store operated calcium entry is an efficient way toprevent T cell activation.

Inhibition of CRAC channel activity with the compounds that modulateintracellular calcium levels provide a means for providingimmunosuppressive therapy as demonstrated by the elimination ofstore-operated calcium entry noted in patients with severe-combinedimmunodeficiency (SCID). T cells, fibroblasts, and in some cases Bcells, from patients with T cell immunodeficiency or SCID having aprincipal defect in T cell activation show a strong defect instore-operated calcium entry. SCID patients lack adaptive immuneresponse, but without any impairment or toxicity in major organs. TheSCID patient phenotype indicates that inhibition of CRAC channels is aneffective strategy for immunosuppression.

Diseases/Disorders Involving Inflammation and Diseases/Disorders Relatedto the Immune System

In some embodiments, diseases, disorders or conditions that are treatedor prevented using compounds disclosed herein that are capable ofmodulating intracellular calcium levels, compositions thereof, andmethods provided herein to identify compounds capable of modulatingintracellular calcium levels, include diseases, conditions or disordersinvolving inflammation and/or that are related to the immune system.These diseases include, but are not limited to, asthma, chronicobstructive pulmonary disease, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory boweldisease, glomerulonephritis, neuroinflammatory diseases such as multiplesclerosis, and disorders of the immune system.

The activation of neutrophils (PMN) by inflammatory mediators is partlyachieved by increasing cytosolic calcium concentration. Store-operatedcalcium influx in particular is thought to play an important role in PMNactivation. It has been shown that trauma increases PMN store-operatedcalcium influx and that prolonged elevations of cytosolic calciumconcentration due to enhanced store-operated calcium influx likelyalters stimulus-response coupling to chemotaxins and contribute to PMNdysfunction after injury. Modulation of PMN cytosolic calciumconcentration through store-operated calcium channels might therefore beuseful in regulating PMN-mediated inflammation and spare cardiovascularfunction after injury, shock or sepsis.

Calcium plays a critical role in lymphocyte activation. Activation oflymphocytes, e.g., by antigen stimulation, results in rapid increases inintracellular free calcium concentrations and activation oftranscription factors, including nuclear factor of activated T cells(NFAT), NF-.kappa.B, JNK1, MEF2 and CREB. NFAT is a key transcriptionalregulator of the IL-2 (and other cytokine) genes. A sustained elevationof intracellular calcium level is required to keep NFAT in atranscriptionally active state, and is dependent on store-operatedcalcium entry. Reduction or blocking of store-operated calcium entry inlymphocytes blocks calcium-dependent lymphocyte activation. Thus, insome embodiments, modulation of a STIM protein and/or an Orai protein,and particularly store-operated calcium entry (e.g., reduction in,elimination of store-operated calcium entry), in lymphocytes is a methodfor treating immune and immune-related disorders, including, forexample, chronic immune diseases/disorders, acute immunediseases/disorders, autoimmune and immunodeficiency diseases/disorders,diseases/disorders involving inflammation, organ transplant graftrejections and graft-versus-host disease and altered (e.g., hyperactive)immune responses. For example, in some embodiments treatment of anautoimmune disease/disorder involves reducing, blocking or eliminatingstore-operated calcium entry in lymphocytes.

Examples of immune disorders include, for example, psoriasis, rheumatoidarthritis, vasculitis, inflammatory bowel disease, dermatitis,osteoarthritis, asthma, inflammatory muscle disease, allergic rhinitis,vaginitis, interstitial cystitis, scleroderma, osteoporosis, eczema,allogeneic or xenogeneic transplantation (organ, bone marrow, stem cellsand other cells and tissues) graft rejection, graft-versus-host disease,lupus erythematosus, inflammatory disease, type I diabetes, pulmonaryfibrosis, dermatomyositis, Sjogren's syndrome, thyroiditis (e.g.,Hashimoto's and autoimmune thyroiditis), myasthenia gravis, autoimmunehemolytic anemia, multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, chronic relapsinghepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, allergic conjunctivitis and atopicdermatitis.

In other embodiments, compounds disclosed herein that are capable ofmodulating intracellular calcium levels, compositions thereof, andmethods provided herein to identify compounds capable of modulatingintracellular calcium levels, are used in connection with treatment ofmalignancies, including, but not limited to, malignancies oflymphoreticular origin, bladder cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer,endometrial cancer, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, ovariancancer, prostate cancer and rectal cancer. Store-operated calcium entryis thought to play an important role in cell proliferation in cancercells.

Inhibition of SOCE is sufficient to prevent tumor cell proliferation.The pyrazole derivative BTP-2, a direct I_(CRAC) blocker inhibits SOCEand proliferation in Jurkat cells and in colon cancer cells. Moreover,sustained SOCE requires mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake and that prevention ofmitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake leads to SOCE inhibition. Stimulation ofJurkat cells induces sustained SOCE and activation of the Ca²⁺-dependentphosphatase calcineurin that dephosphorylates NFAT, promoting expressionof interleukin-2 and proliferation. In other embodiments, compoundscapable of modulating intracellular calcium levels inhibit SOCE and areused in the treatment of cancer or other proliferative diseases orconditions.

In some embodiments, diseases, disorders or conditions that are treatedor prevented using compounds disclosed herein that are capable ofmodulating intracellular calcium levels, compositions thereof, andmethods provided herein to identify compounds capable of modulatingintracellular calcium levels, include, for example, hepatic or liverdiseases and disorders. These diseases, conditions or disorders includebut are not limited to liver injury, for example, due totransplantation, hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Store-operated calcium entry has been implicated in chronic liverdisease as well as transplantation injury after cold preservation-warmdeoxygenation.

In some embodiments, diseases, conditions or disorders that are treatedor prevented using the compounds disclosed herein that are capable ofmodulating intracellular calcium levels, compositions thereof, andmethods provided herein to identify compounds capable of modulatingintracellular calcium levels, include kidney or renal diseases anddisorders. Mesangial cell hyperplasia is often a key feature of suchdiseases and disorders. In other embodiments, such diseases anddisorders are caused by immunological or other mechanisms of injury,including IgAN, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis or lupusnephritis. Imbalances in the control of mesangial cell replication alsoappear to play a key role in the pathogenesis of progressive renalfailure. The turnover of mesangial cells in normal adult kidney is verylow with a renewal rate of less than 1%. A prominent feature ofglomerular/kidney diseases is mesangial hyperplasia due to elevatedproliferation rate or reduced cell loss of mesangial cells. Whenmesangial cell proliferation is induced without cell loss, for exampledue to mitogenic stimulation, mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritisdoes result. Data have indicated that regulators of mesangial cellgrowth, particularly growth factors, are thought to act by regulatingstore-operated calcium channels. In yet other embodiments, modulators ofstore-operated calcium influx aids in the treatment of glomerulardiseases by inhibiting mesangial cell proliferation.

In one aspect, compounds described herein modulate intracellularcalcium, such as but not limited to, modulation (e.g. reduction orinhibition) of SOC channel activity, such as inhibition of CRAC channelactivity (e.g. inhibition of ICRAc, inhibition of SOCE), in an immunesystem cell (e.g., a lymphocyte, white blood cell, T cell, B cell), afibroblast (or a cell derived from a fibroblast), or an epidermal,dermal or skin cell (e.g., a keratinocyte). In some embodiments, thestep of modulating one or more proteins involved in modulatingintracellular calcium (e.g. a STIM protein and/or Orai protein)involves, for example, reducing the level, expression of, an activityof, function of and/or molecular interactions of a protein. Forinstance, if a cell exhibits an increase in calcium levels or lack ofregulation of an aspect of intracellular calcium modulation, e.g.,store-operated calcium entry, then in other embodiments, modulatinginvolves reducing the level of, expression of, an activity or functionof, or a molecular interaction of a protein, e.g. a STIM protein and/orOrai protein.

Methods of Identifying Therapeutic Agents for NSCLC

In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of identifying atherapeutic agent for treating NSCLC wherein the agent inhibits one ormore plasma membrane calcium transportation pathways. The methodincludes determining whether a candidate agent can modulate all or partof the CRAC/STIM pathway in a NSCLC cell which, in turn, modifies one ormore cancer-related properties of the epithelial cell.

By “cancer-related properties” is meant any physiological and/orpathological manifestation of a cell which results from cancer of thecell. Within the scope is promotion of transcription, proliferation ofthe cell, death of the cell (such as apoptosis and necrosis) andinvasiveness, wherein invasiveness is inclusive of metastasis, migrationand loss of adhesion.

It will be appreciated that in general forms, a candidate agent maydirectly modulate a CRAC channel. In an alternative form, a candidateagent may modulate a STIM protein to thereby alter calcium flow into acancerous cell.

In the context of the present invention, “alter” or “alteration”includes within its scope a decrease, lowering or otherwisedown-regulation of calcium flow across a plasma membrane. It isenvisaged that alteration of calcium flow into a cancerous cell includesselective alteration of calcium flow.

It will be readily appreciated that the mechanism of “modulation”,“modulator” or “modulating” includes within its scope any interactionwhich interferes with, inhibits, blocks or hinders or activates oraugments either the calcium-flow related activity of the CRAC channeland/or STIM protein. In certain embodiments, the modulator is aninhibitor. In other embodiments, the modulator is an antagonist. In yetother embodiments, the modulator is an agonist. In further embodiments,the modulator is an activator.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the candidate agentselectively modulates a CRAC channel and/or STIM protein. In anotherembodiment, the candidate agent selectively inhibits a CRAC channeland/or a STIM protein. In yet another embodiment, the candidate agentalters calcium flow by inhibition of a CRAC channel and/or STIM protein.

Accordingly, modulators may be peptides, proteins such as antibodies orother organic molecules (such as small organic molecules), with adesired biological activity and half-life. It is envisaged that bothpolyclonal and monoclonal antibodies directed to either the entireprotein or a biologically-active fragment thereof are suitablemodulators.

By “biologically-active fragment” is meant a fragment, portion, regionor segment of a protein which displays at least 10%, preferably at least25%, more preferably at least 50% and even more preferably at least 70%,80% or 90% of the biological activity of the entire or full-lengthprotein.

In relation to a CRAC channel, biological activity is calcium transportactivity. With regard to a STIM protein, the biological activity is theability to activate calcium transport into a cell by either a direct orindirect interaction with a CRAC channel.

It will be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art thatantibodies employed for therapeutic applications in humans must havespecific properties which make these antibodies suitable for use inhumans. Generally, therapeutic antibodies are “humanised”, wherein theantibody typically comprises over 90% human sequence and thecomplementary determining regions of murine antibodies. Humanisedantibodies are particularly advantageous for medical applications due tothe decreased likelihood of eliciting a foreign body immune reaction.

It in envisaged that humanised antibodies may be directed to any STIMsuch as, but not limited to, STIM1 and STIM2. In one embodiment, thehumanised antibody is directed to STIM1.

In other particular embodiments, the modulating agent is an antibodydirected to a CRAC channel. In an alternative particular embodiment, theantibody directed to a CRAC channel is directed to CRACM1.

It is readily contemplated that effective modulating agents includeother potential CRAC channel inhibitors which may be useful according tothe present invention. Suitable examples include, but are not limitedto, SKF-96365, T182, YM-58483, BTP-2, lanthanides such as, gadoliniumand other CRAC channel modulators compounds as disclosed, for example,in PCT or US patent applications assigned to Synta Pharmaceuticals viz.WO 2005/009954, WO 2005/009539, WO 2005/009954, WO 200/6034402, A1, WO2006/081389, WO 2006/081391, WO 2007/087429, WO 2007/087427, WO2007/087441, WO 2007/087442, WO 2007/087443, WO 2007/089904, WO2007/109362, WO 2007/112093, WO 2008/039520, WO 2008/063504, WO2008/103310, WO 2009/017818, WO 2009/017819, WO 2009/017831, US2006/0173006 US 2007/0249051 A1, WO 2010/039238, WO 2010/039237, WO2010/039236, WO 2009/089305 and WO 2009/038775; patents and/or patentapplications by Astellas, Queens Medical Center, Calcimedica and othersincluding, viz., WO 2007/121186, WO 2006/050214, WO 2007/139926, WO2008/148108, U.S. Pat. No. 7,452,675, US 2009/023177, WO 2007/139926,U.S. Pat. No. 6,696,267, U.S. Pat. No. 6,348,480, WO 2008/106731, US2008/0293092, WO 2010/048559, WO 2010/027875, WO 2010/025295, WO2010/034011, WO 2010/034003, WO 2009/076454, WO 2009/035818, US2010/0152241, US 2010/0087415, US 2009/0311720 and WO 2004/078995.

Further suitable CRAC channels modulators include those disclosed inIsabella Derler et al. Expert opinion in Drug Discovery 3(7) (2008) pg.787-800; Yousang G et al., Cell Calcium 42 (2007) 145-156; YasurioYonetoky et al., Bio. & Med Chem. 14 (2006) 4750-4760 and YasurioYonetoky et al., Bio. & Med Chem. 14 (2006) 5370-5383. All of thesepatents and/or patent applications and literature disclosures areincorporated herein as reference in their entirety for all purposes.

It is further contemplated that a molecular biological approach tomodulation of the CRAC/STIM pathway may be employed. RNA interference,such as siRNA, provides an attractive method for silencing of potentialtherapeutic gene targets by sequence-specific cleavage of cognate mRNA.Takeshita and Ochiya (Cancer Sci, 2006, 97: 689-696) provide numerousexamples of the therapeutic potential of RNA interference against cancerand is incorporated herein by reference.

The term “gene” is used herein to describe a discrete nucleic acidlocus, unit or region within a genome that may comprise one or more ofintrons, exons, splice sites, open reading frames and 5′ and/or 3′non-coding regulatory sequences such as a promoter and/or apolyadenylation sequence.

Therefore a person of skill in the art will readily appreciate that theinvention contemplates a genetic construct which comprises one or morenucleotide sequences capable of directing synthesis of an RNA molecule,where the nucleotide sequence is selected from:

-   -   (i) a nucleotide sequence transcribable to an RNA molecule        comprising an RNA sequence which is substantially homologous to        an RNA sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence of interest;    -   (ii) a reverse complement of the nucleotide sequence of (i);    -   (iii) a combination of the nucleotide sequences of (i) and (ii),    -   (iv) multiple copies of nucleotide sequences of (i), (ii) or        (iii), optionally separated by a spacer sequence;    -   (v) a combination of the nucleotide sequences of (i) and (ii),        wherein the nucleotide sequence of (ii) represents an inverted        repeat of the nucleotide sequence of (i), separated by a spacer        sequence; and    -   (vi) a combination as described in (v), wherein the spacer        sequence comprises an intron sequence spliceable from said        combination;

Where the nucleotide sequence comprises an inverted repeat separated bya non-intron spacer sequence, upon transcription, the presence of thenon-intron spacer sequence facilitates the formation of a stem-loopstructure by virtue of the binding of the inverted repeat sequences toeach other. The presence of the non-intron spacer sequence causes thetranscribed RNA sequence (also referred to herein as a “transcript”) soformed to remain substantially in one piece, in a form that may bereferred to herein as a “hairpin”. Alternatively, where the nucleotidesequence comprises an inverted repeat where the spacer sequencecomprises an intron sequence, upon transcription, the presence ofintron/exon splice junction sequences on either side of the intronsequence facilitates the removal of what would otherwise form into aloop structure. The resulting transcript comprises a double-stranded RNA(dsRNA) molecule, optionally with overhanging 3′ sequences at one orboth ends. Such a dsRNA transcript is referred to herein as a “perfecthairpin”. The RNA molecules may comprise a single hairpin or multiplehairpins including “bulges” of single-stranded DNA occurring in regionsof double-stranded DNA sequences.

Depending upon the application, the RNA molecule may be directed to asingle target or alternatively, a plurality of targets.

In certain embodiments, the RNA molecule encodes CRACM1/Orai1,CRACM2/Orai1 or CRACM3/Orai1 and/or STIM1 or STIM2.

Persons skilled in the art will be aware that therapeutic agents of theinvention for the treatment of cancer may be identified by any number ofmethods. Accordingly, the method of identifying therapeutic agentsinvolves determination of whether a candidate agent can directlymodulate a CRAC channel and/or modulate STIM proteins. In oneembodiment, the method involves determining whether the candidate agentcan alter a flow of calcium into a cell by modulating a CRAC channeland/or STIM protein.

In one embodiment, the therapeutic agents of the invention for thetreatment of NSCLC may be identified by way of screening libraries ofmolecules such as synthetic chemical libraries, including combinatoriallibraries, by methods such as described in Nestler & Liu, 1998, Comb.Chem. High Throughput Screen, 1, 113 and Kirkpatrick et al., 1999, Comb.Chem. High Throughput Screen, 2, 211.

It is also contemplated that libraries of naturally-occurring moleculesmay be screened by known methods, such as those described in Kolb, 1998,Prog. Drug. Res. 51, 185. Similarly, the molecules may also beidentified from a molecular libraries program (MLP) such as that offeredby the National Institute of Health (NIH), USA.

More rational approaches to designing therapeutic agents for thetreatment of NSCLC may employ X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy,computer assisted screening of structural databases, computer-assistedmodelling, or more traditional biophysical techniques which detectmolecular binding interactions, as are known in the art.

Structural bioinformatics may also be used to identify candidate agentsfor treating NSCLC. A review of structural bioinformatics approaches todrug discovery is provided in Fauman et al., 2003, Meth. Biochem. Anal.44:477, and Nature Reviews Drug Discovery 7, 783 (September 2008), bothof which are incorporated by reference.

Computer-assisted structural database searching and bioinformaticapproaches are becoming increasingly utilized as a procedure foridentifying and/or engineering agonists and antagonist molecules.Examples of database searching methods may be found in U.S. Pat. No.5,752,019 and International Publication No. WO 97/41526 (directed toidentifying EPO mimetics) and U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,158,891 and 5,680,331which are directed to more general computational approaches to proteinmodeling and structural mimicry of protein activity.

Generally, other applicable methods include any of a variety ofbiophysical techniques which identify molecular interactions. Suchmethods include, but are not limited to, competitive radioligand bindingassays, electrophysiology, analytical ultracentrifugation,microcalorimetry, surface plasmon resonance and optical biosensor-basedmethods, such as those provided in Chapter 20 of CURRENT PROTOCOLS INPROTEIN SCIENCE Eds. Coligan et al., (John Wiley & Sons, 1997), which isincorporated herein by reference.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that modulating agents maybe in the form of a binding partner and as such, identified byinteraction assays such as yeast two-hybrid approaches. Two-hybridscreening methods are provided in Chapter 20 of CURRENT PROTOCOLS INPROTEIN SCIENCE Eds. Coligan et al., (John Wiley & Sons, 1997) which isincorporated herein by reference.

Pharmaceutical Composition and Method of Treatment of NSCLC

It is also contemplated that in one aspect, the present inventionprovides a pharmaceutical composition that includes a therapeutic agenteffective for treatment of cancer identified by a method describedabove, together with a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier, diluent orexcipient.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treatingcancer in a human by administering to the human a therapeutic agenteffective for treatment of cancer identified by a method describedabove. The therapeutic agent, such as a CRAC inhibitor, may be used as amonotherapy or as an adjunctive therapy with one or more other methodsof treating NSCLC.

In one embodiment, the therapeutic agent effective for treatment ofcancer is in the form of a small organic molecule or peptide formulatedwith a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier, diluent or excipientsuitable for oral administration, as a transdermal patch or othernon-invasive route of administration.

In yet another aspect, the present invention includes a method oftreating a patient suffering from NSCLC by administering to the patientan effective amount of a CRAC inhibitor. The CRAC inhibitor may be usedas a monotherapy or as an adjunctive therapy with one or more othermethods of treating lung cancer (or NSCLC) which includechemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of lung cancer such as, forexample, Cisplatin (Platinol®), Etoposide (VP-16; VePesid®), Carboplatin(Paraplatin®), Paclitaxel (Taxol®), Docetaxel (Taxotere®), Vinorelbinetartarate (Novelbine®), Doxorubicin (Adriamycin®), Vincristine Sulphate(Oncovin®), Ifosfamide (Ifex®) and Gemcitabine hydrochloride (Gemzar®).

As an adjunctive therapy, a CRAC inhibitor may be used along with the astandard chemotherapy for lung cancer, which typically consists ofcombinations of two or more of, for example, Cisplatin (Platinol®),Etoposide (VP-16; VePesid®), Carboplatin (Paraplatin®), Paclitaxel(Taxol®), Docetaxel (Taxotere®), Vinorelbine tartarate (Novelbine®),Doxorubicin (Adriamycin®), Vincristine Sulphate (Oncovin®), Ifosfamide(Ifex®) and Gemcitabine hydrochloride (Gemzar®). Such standardchemotherapy combination therapy has been shown to improve the overallresponse to treatment. Well-known drug pairings in standard chemotherapycombination therapy include paclitaxel plus carboplatin, cisplatin plusvinorelbine tartarate, cisplatin plus etoposide, and carboplatin plusetoposide. Concurrent radiotherapy is very often used with the standardchemotherapy combinations of cisplatin plus etoposide or carboplatinplus etoposide.

Other chemotherapeutic agents that may be used to treat lung cancerinclude, for example, Cyclophosphamide (Neosar®), Methotrexate,Lomustine (CCNU) and Topotecan hydrochloride (Hycamtin®).

For Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma as an adjunctive therapy, a CRACinhibitor may be used in combination with Gemcitabine hydrochloride(Gemzar@), a chemotherapeutic drug that has unique activity against manysolid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Combinationtherapy with gemcitabine, cisplatin and vinorelbine tartarate has beenfound to be safe and very active in persons with advanced NSCLC. Anothertreatment option for NSCLC patients with advanced disease is alternatingchemo-radiotherapy (e.g., cisplatin and etoposide, followed byradiotherapy).

The term “pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient”includes a solid or liquid filler, diluent or encapsulating substancethat may be safely used in systemic administration. Depending upon theparticular route of administration, a variety of carriers known in theart may be used. These carriers may be selected from sugars, starches,cellulose and its derivatives, malt, gelatine, talc, calcium sulfate,vegetable oils, synthetic oils, polyols, alginic acid, phosphatebuffered solutions, emulsifiers, isotonic saline and salts such asmineral acid salts including hydrochlorides, bromides and sulfates,organic acids such as acetates, propionates and malonates andpyrogen-free water.

A useful reference describing pharmaceutically acceptable carriers,diluents and excipients is Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (MackPublishing Co. N.J. USA, 1991), which is incorporated herein byreference.

Any safe route of administration may be employed for providing a patientwith the therapeutic agent or pharmaceutical composition of theinvention. For example, oral, rectal, parenteral, sublingual, buccal,intravenous, intra-articular, intra-muscular, intradermal, subcutaneous,inhalational, intraocular, intraperitoneal, intracerebroventricular andtransdermal administration may be employed.

Suitable dosage forms include, but are not limited to, tablets,dispersions, suspensions, injections, solutions, syrups, troches,capsules, suppositories, aerosols, and transdermal patches. These dosageforms may also include injecting or implanting controlled releasingdevices designed specifically for this purpose or other forms ofimplants modified to act additionally in this fashion. Controlledrelease of the therapeutic agent may be effected by coating the same,for example, with hydrophobic polymers including acrylic resins, waxes,higher aliphatic alcohols, polylactic and polyglycolic acids and certaincellulose derivatives such as hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose. Inaddition, the controlled release may be effected by using other polymermatrices, liposomes and/or microspheres.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention suitable for oralor parenteral administration may be presented as discrete units such ascapsules, sachets or tablets each containing a pre-determined amount ofone or more therapeutic agents of the invention, as a powder or granulesor as a solution or a suspension in an aqueous liquid, a non-aqueousliquid, an oil-in-water emulsion or a water-in-oil liquid emulsion. Suchcompositions may be prepared by any of the methods of pharmacy such asby bringing into association one or more agents as described above withthe carrier which constitutes one or more ingredients. The compositionscan be prepared by uniformly and intimately admixing the agents of theinvention with liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both,and then, optionally, shaping the product into the desired presentation.

The above compositions may be administered in a manner compatible withthe dosage formulation, and in such amount as ispharmaceutically-effective. The dose administered to a patient, in thecontext of the present invention, should be sufficient to effect abeneficial response in a patient over an appropriate period of time. Thequantity of agent(s) to be administered may depend on the subject to betreated inclusive of the age, sex, weight and general health conditionthereof, factors that will depend on the judgement of the practitioner.

Diagnostic Methods

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed towardsdiagnostic methods for NSCLC which utilise CRAC channels and STIMproteins as diagnostic markers. In one particular aspect, the inventionprovides a diagnostic method for determining whether a patient may beresponsive to treatment with a therapeutic agent that alters calciuminflux via the CRAC and/or STIM pathway by measuring levels of plasmamembrane associated STIM in a cancerous cell.

In one particular embodiment, the invention provides a diagnostic methodfor determining if a human is predisposed to or is suffering from NSCLCby detecting excessive levels of STIM protein in a cancerous cell, suchas a cell from a lung.

In another particular aspect, the diagnostic method of the presentinvention includes measurement of the ratio of one particular form ofSTIM relative to another particular form of STIM.

In an additional embodiment, the present invention provides a diagnosticmethod to detect activation of CRAC channel expression in lung cells. Itis envisaged that CRAC channel expression may be analysed by eitherprotein-based or nucleic acid-based techniques.

Thus “predisposed” and “predisposition” are used in the context of aprobability that an individual may display clinical symptoms of NSCLC,or that any existing, manifest clinical symptoms of NSCLC are the resultof an underlying biochemical cause.

It will be readily appreciated by a person of skill in the art that anumber of methods may be utilised to measure the expression levels ofSTIM on the plasma membrane of a cancerous cell. By way of example only,fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis using labelledantibodies is readily amenable to quantitative measurement of cellsurface expression of proteins. For example, immunofluorescence andother fluorescence microscopy methods can also be used to stain tissueto detect levels of STIM. Other conventional immunohistochemistrytechniques may also be used.

Alternatively, relative protein expression levels may be determined byother protein-based methods which include immunoassays, for example,ELISA and immunoblotting to detect relative expression levels of one ormore of the proteins.

Proteomic pattern analysis provides an alternative diagnostic methodwhich is particularly useful for global expression pattern analysis ofproteins. Methods of cancer diagnosis using proteomic patterns areprovided in Conrads et al., Expert Rev Mol Diagn. 2003 July; 3(4):411-20and is incorporated herein by reference.

In particular embodiments, a plurality of the proteins may be used in aprotein library displayed in a number of ways, e.g., in phage display orcell display systems or by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, or morespecifically, differential two-dimensional gel electrophoresis(2D-DIGE). These particular embodiments may generally be referred to as“proteomic” or “protein profiling” methods, such as described, forexample, in Chapters 3.9.1 and 22 of CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN PROTEINSCIENCE Eds. Coligan et al., John Wiley & Sons NY USA (1996-2002).

In certain embodiments relating to protein arrays, a cancer-associatedprotein of the invention (such as a NSCLC-associated protein) is locatedat an identifiable address on the array.

In exemplary embodiments, the protein array includes a substrate whichis immobilized, impregnated, bound or otherwise coupled to acancer-associated protein (such as a NSCLC-associated protein), or afragment thereof.

The substrate may be a chemically-derivatized aluminium chip, asynthetic membrane such as PVDF or nitrocellulose, a glass slide ormicrotiter plates.

Detection of substrate-bound proteins may be performed using massspectrometry, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy or bycolorimetric detection.

The diagnostic methods of the invention may involve measuring expressionlevels of a nucleic acid encoding a STIM protein and/or a CRAC channel.In this regard, nucleotide sequence variations in a promoter, forexample, may affect the steady state levels of a CRAC channel genetranscript in one or more cells of an affected or predisposedindividual.

It is also contemplated that relative levels of nucleic acids may bemeasured and/or compared in the diagnostic methods of the presentinvention. By way of example, a CRAC and/or STIM mRNA level may bemeasured.

Measurement of relative levels of a nucleic acid level compared to anexpressed level of a reference nucleic acid may be convenientlyperformed using a nucleic acid array.

Nucleic acid array technology has become well known in the art andexamples of methods applicable to array technology are provided, forexample, in Chapter 22 of CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY Eds.Ausubel et al. (John Wiley & Sons NY USA 1995-2001).

An array can be generated by various methods, e.g., by photolithographicmethods (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,143,854; 5,510,270; and 5,527,681),mechanical methods (e.g., directed-flow methods as described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,384,261), pin-based methods (e.g., as described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,288,514), and bead-based techniques (e.g., as described inInternational Application No. PCT/US93/04145).

Reference is also made to Affymetrix nucleic acid array systems such asdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,858,659 and 6,300,063, which providespecific teaching in relation to nucleic acid array-based detection ofdisease-related polymorphisms.

In another particular form of this embodiment, quantitative orsemi-quantitative PCR using primers corresponding to CRACchannel-encoding nucleic acids or STIM-encoding nucleic acids may beused to quantify relative expression levels of a CRAC channel nucleicacid or STIM nucleic acid to thereby determine whether an individual ispredisposed to or suffering from NSCLC.

PCR amplification is not linear and hence end point analysis does notalways allow for the accurate determination of nucleic acid expressionlevels.

Real-time PCR analysis provides a high throughput means of measuringgene expression levels. It uses specific primers, and fluorescencedetection to measure the amount of product after each cycle.Hydridization probes utilise either quencher dyes or fluorescencedirectly to generate a signal. This method may be used to validate andquantify nucleic acid expression differences in cells or tissuesobtained from cancer sufferers compared to cells or tissues obtainedfrom non-sufferers.

The following general methodology described herein provides the mannerand process of making and using the compound of the present inventionand are illustrative rather than limiting. Further modification ofprovided methodology and additionally new methods may also be devised inorder to achieve and serve the purpose of the invention.

Accordingly, it should be understood that there may be other embodimentswhich fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined bythe specification hereto.

General Method of Preparation of Compound of Formula (I)

The compounds of the present invention may be prepared by the followingprocesses. Unless otherwise indicated, all the variables when used inthe below formulae are to be understood to present those groupsdescribed above in relation to formula (IA). These methods can similarlybe applied to other compounds of formula (I) (e.g, (IA-I), (IA-II),(IA-III) and (IA-IV).

Scheme 1 provides a general process for synthesis of a compound offormula (IA) wherein L₁ & L₂ together are —NH—CO—, R′″ is hydrogen orhalogen, and all other variables R, R¹, R², T, U, V, W, A and Cy are asdescribed above in relation to formula (IA)

A compound of formula 1 can be reacted with a compound of formula 2(e.g., phenyl hydrazine) to form a compound of formula 3. The compoundof formula 3 can then be nitrated, e.g., using a mixture of concentratedH₂SO₄ and concentrated HNO₃ to form a compound of formula 4. Reductionof the compound of formula 4, such as with FeCl₃ and hydrazine in thepresence of activated charcoal, yields the corresponding amine compoundof formula 5a wherein R′″ is Hydrogen. Alternately halogenation followedby reduction of the compound of formula 4, yields the correspondingamine compound of formula 5b wherein R′″ is Halogen. The compound offormula 5a or 5b can be coupled with various other intermediates in thepresence of a suitable coupling reagent to provide a compound of formula(IA). The compound of formula 5a or 5b can be coupled with i. Cy-A-COOHusing one or more amide coupling reagents such as(benzotriazol-1-yloxy)tris(dimethylamino) phosphoniumhexafluorophosphate (BOP reagent) orN-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC); ii.with acid chlorides of formula Cy-A-COCl; or iii. isocyanates of formulaCy-NCO where A is NH.

Scheme 2 provides a general process for synthesis of a compound offormula (IA) wherein L₁ & L₂ together i —NH—CO—, R′″ is hydrogen orhalogen and all other variables R, R¹, R², T, U, V, W, A and Cy arethose described above in relation to formula (IA).

Step-1

Step-2

Step-1:

A ketone of formula a can be condensed with an ester of formula b in thepresence of a base such as a metal alkoxide, e.g., sodium ethoxide, togive a diketone of formula 1.

Step-2:

The compound of formula 1 can be converted to a pyrazole compound offormula 2a by reacting it with hydrazine. The compound of formula 2a canbe reacted with a compound of formula 2b wherein L_(g) is a leavinggroup (such as a halogen) in the presence of a suitable base such as analkali metal carbonate, e.g., Cs₂CO₃, to give a compound of formula 4,which can be subjected to a similar sequence of transformations asdescribed above in scheme 1 to afford a compound of formula IA.

Scheme 2A provides a general process for synthesis of a compound offormula (IA) wherein L₁ & L₂ together is —CO—NH—, R′″ is hydrogen orHalogen and all other variables R, R¹, R², T, U, V, W, A and Cy arethose described above in relation to formula (IA).

The compound of formula 2a can be reacted with a compound of formula 2cwherein L_(g) is a leaving group (such as a halogen) in the presence ofa suitable base such as an alkali metal carbonate, e.g., Cs₂CO₃, to givea compound of formula 4a, which can then be hydrolysed to to give acompound of formula 5c. The compound of formula 5c can be coupled withCy-A-NH₂ using one or more amide coupling reagents such as(benzotriazol-1-yloxy)tris(dimethylamino) phosphoniumhexafluorophosphate (BOP reagent) orN-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC).

Similar methodologies with certain modifications as known to thoseskilled in the art can be used to synthesize compounds of formula (I),(IA-I) or (IA-II) wherein the variables are to be understood to presentthose groups described above in relation to formula (I), (IA-I),(IA-II), (IA-III) or (IA-IV) using suitable intermediates and reagents.

EXPERIMENTAL

The following abbreviations are used throughout this disclosure: EDC.HCl[N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride], HOBt[Hydroxybenzotriazole], TEA (triethylamine), DMF (dimethyl formamide),AcOEt (ethyl acetate), DCM (dichloromethane), DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide,THF (tetrahydrofuran). Unless otherwise mentioned, work-up impliesdistribution of reaction mixture between the aqueous and organic phasesindicated within parentheses, separation and drying over Na₂SO₄ of theorganic layer and evaporating the solvent to afford a residue. Unlessotherwise stated, purification implies column chromatography usingsilica gel as the stationary phase and a mixture of petroleum ether(boiling at 60-80° C.) and ethyl acetate or dichloromethane and methanolof suitable polarity as the mobile phases. RT (or rt) implies ambienttemperature (˜25-28° C.).

Intermediate 1: 1,3-dicyclopropylpropane-1,3-dione

Sodium ethoxide (8 g, 117.64 mmol) was added to a solution ofcyclopropyl methyl ketone (5 g, 59.4 mmol) and methyl cyclopropanecarboxylate (12 ml, 118.9 mmol) in DMSO (30 mL). The resulting mixturewas heated at 60° C. overnight and then cooled to 0° C. After quenchingthe reaction with 6N HCl, work-up (H₂O/AcOEt) gave the title compound asa brown liquid which was used without any purification. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm,CDCl₃, 400 MHz): 16.05 (bs, 0.6H), 5.72 (s, 0.6H) 3.78 (s, 0.8H),2.08-2.0 (m, 0.8H), 1.62-1.53 (m, 1.2H), 1.12-1.05 (m, 4H), 0.97-0.83(m, 4H). MS (m/z): 153.2 [M+H]⁺.

Intermediate 2: 1-cyclopropyl-4,4,4-trifluorobutane-1,3-dione

A procedure similar to that described for intermediate 1 was followed.From cyclopropyl methyl ketone (10 g, 119 mmol), ethyl2,2,2-trifluoroacetate (29 ml, 237 mmol), DMSO (60 mL) and sodiumethoxide (16.1 g, 237 mmol), the title compound (15 g) was obtained as abrown liquid and was used in the next step without purification. ¹H-NMR(δ ppm, CDCl₃, 400 MHz): 5.65 (s, 2H), 2.16-2.04 (m, 1H), 1.18-1.12 (m,2H), 0.98-0.94 (m, 2H).

Intermediate 3: 3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazole

Intermediate 1 (5.3 g, 35 mmol) and hydrazine hydrate (1.8 mL, 38.3mmol) in ethanol (20 mL) were refluxed overnight. Work-up (H₂O/AcOEt)after cooling the mixture to ambient temperature gave the title compoundas a brown solid. M. P.: 161-164° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, CDCl₃, 400 MHz):15.2 (bs, 1H), 5.65 (s, 1H), 2.16-2.09 (m, 2H), 1.18-1.14 (m, 4H),0.98-0.94 (m, 4H). MS (m/z): 149.04 [M+H].

Intermediate 4: 5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole

Intermediate 2 (0.120 g, 0.66 mmol) and hydrazine hydrate (0.04 mL, 0.72mmol) were dissolved in ethanol (6 mL) and refluxed overnight. Work-up(H₂O/AcOEt) after cooling the mixture to RT gave the title compound as abrown solid (0.114 g).

Intermediate 5: 3,5-dicyclopropyl-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1H-pyrazole

A solution of intermediate 3 (2.0 g, 13.5 mmol) and Cs₂CO₃ (5.51 g, 40.5mmol) in DMSO (15 mL) was heated at 160° C. under nitrogen for 0.5 h. Tothe mixture, 4-chloro-1-nitro benzene (6.38 g, 40.5 mmol) was added andstirred at the same temperature for 4 h.

Work-up (H₂O/AcOEt) and purification afforded the title compound (0.8g). ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, CDCl₃, 400 MHz): 8.32 (d, J 9.0, 2H), 7.92 (d, J 9.0,2H), 5.76 (s, 1H), 1.97-1.91 (m, 1H), 1.86-1.80 (m, 1H), 1.09-1.04 (m,2H), 0.98-0.94 (m, 2H), 0.83-0.75 (m, 4H).

Intermediate 6: 3,5-dicyclopropyl-1-(2-fluoro-4-nitrophenyl)-1H-pyrazole

A solution of intermediate 3 (2.0 g, 13.5 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (5.5 g, 40.6mmol) in DMSO (20 mL) were heated at 120° C. under nitrogen for 0.5 h.To this mixture, 3,4-difluoro-1-nitrobenzene (2.15 g, 13.5 mmol) wasadded and stirred at the same temperature for 2 h. Work-up (H₂O/AcOEt)and purification afforded the title compound as an yellow solid (3.16g). ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, CDCl₃, 400 MHz): 8.19-8.12 (m, 2H), 7.78 (t, J 7.9,1H), 5.70 (s, 1H), 2.10-2.00 (m, 1H), 1.68-1.58 (m, 1H), 1.08-0.92 (m,4H), 0.82-0.74 (m, 2H), 0.72-0.65 (m, 2H).

Intermediate 7: 2-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-5-nitropyridine

A solution of intermediate 3 (8.0 g, 54.05 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (27.96 g,202.6 mmol) in DMSO (60 mL) was heated at 110° C. under nitrogen for 0.5h. To the mixture, 2-chloro-5-nitro pyridine (12.8 g, 80.75 mmol) wasadded and stirred at the same temperature for 2 h. Work-up (H₂O/AcOEt)and purification afforded the title compound (3.03 g). ¹H-NMR (δ ppm,CDCl₃, 400 MHz): 9.24 (d, J 2.6, 1H), 8.51 (dd, J 2.6, 9.9, 1H), 8.10(d, J 9.2, 1H), 5.72 (s, 1H), 2.90-2.75 (m, 1H), 1.99-1.90 (m, 1H),1.06-0.93 (m, 4H), 0.82-0.64 (m, 4H).

Intermediate 8:5-cyclopropyl-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole

A procedure similar to that followed for intermediate 5 was employed.From intermediate 4 (1.0 g, 5.67 mmol), Cs₂CO₃ (5.5 g, 16.9 mmol), DMSO(4 mL) and 4-chloro-1-nitro benzene (1.93 g, 14.1 mmol) was obtained thetitle compound (0.7 g). ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, CDCl₃, 400 MHz): 8.38 (d, J 7.08,2H), 7.92 (d, J 7.08, 2H), 6.32 (s, 1H), 1.89-1.82 (m, 1H), 1.19-1.11(m, 2H), 0.89-0.85 (m, 2H), MS (m/s): 298.15 [M+H]⁺.

Intermediate 9:5-cyclopropyl-1-(2-fluoro-4-nitrophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole

A solution of intermediate 4 (6.3 g, 35 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (14.6 g, 105mmol) in DMSO (20 mL) was heated at 120° C. under nitrogen for 30 mins.To this mixture, 1,2-difluoro nitrobenzene (5.68 g, 35 mmol) was addedand stirred at the same temperature for 2 h. Work-up (H₂O/AcOEt) andpurification afforded the title compound (7.52 g). ¹H-NMR (δ ppm,DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 8.49 (dd, J 2.4, 9.9, 1H), 8.47-8.27 (m, 1H),8.04-8.02 (m, 1H), 6.73 (s, 1H), 1.76-1.68 (m, 1H), 0.99-0.90 (m, 2H),0.84-0.74 (m, 2H).

Intermediate 10:2-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-5-nitropyridine

A solution of intermediate 4 (1.0 g, 5.67 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (2.35 g, 17.03mmol) in DMSO (10 mL) was heated at 90° C. under nitrogen for 30 mins.To the mixture, 2-chloro-5-nitro pyridine (1.35 g, 8.5 mmol) was addedand stirred at the same temperature for 2 h. Work-up (H₂O/AcOEt) andpurification afforded the title compound (0.30 g). ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, CDCl₃,400 MHz): 9.33 (d, J 2.5, 1H), 8.62 (dd, J 2.8, 9.0, 1H), 8.19 (d, J9.0, 1H), 6.29 (s, 1H), 2.92-2.83 (m, 1H), 1.60-1.50 (m, 2H), 0.79-0.70(m, 2H).

Intermediate 11:2-[4-chloro-5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-5-nitropyridine

Intermediate 10 (1.5 g, 5.0 mmol) was dissolved in DMF and to thisN-Chlorosuccinimide (0.8 g, 6 mmol) was added at 0° C. Then reaction wasallowed to stir at rt for 2 h. After completion of the reaction, work up(EtOAc) and purification afforded the title compound (0.802 g). ¹H-NMR(δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 9.34 (d, J 2.5, 1H), 8.65 (dd, J 2.5, 9, 1H),8.09 (d, J 9, 1H), 2.48-2.38 (m, 1H), 1.13-1.03 (m, 2H), 0.90-0.82 (m,2H).

Intermediate 12: 4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)aniline

Iron powder (0.88 g, 15.8 mmol) and ammonium chloride (17 mg, 0.3 mmol)were added to a solution of intermediate 5 (0.85 g, 3.15 mmol) inEtOH/H₂O (2:1, 15 mL) and the mixture refluxed for half an hour. Themixture was filtered through celite and celite washed with ethanol.Work-up (H₂O/AcOEt) after concentration of the combined layers affordedtitle compound as a yellow solid (0.68 g). ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400MHz): 7.11 (d, J 8.6, 2H), 6.61 (d, J 8.6, 2H), 5.65 (s, 1H), 5.24 (s,2H), 1.81-1.74 (m, 1H), 1.67-1.60 (m, 1H), 0.86-0.77 (m, 4H), 0.61-0.56(m, 4H). MS (m/z): 240.3 [M+H]⁺.

Intermediate 13: 4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-fluoroaniline

Iron powder (1.86 g, 34.8 mmol) and ammonium chloride (30 mg, 0.7 mmol)were added to a solution of intermediate 6 (2 g, 7.0 mmol) in EtOH/H₂O(2:1, 30 mL) and the mixture refluxed for one hour. The mixture wasfiltered through celite and celite washed with ethanol. Work-up(H₂O/AcOEt) and concentration of the combined layers afforded titlecompound as a yellow solid (1.34 g).

Intermediate 14: 6-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridin-3-amine

Iron powder (0.79 g, 14.17 mmol) and ammonium chloride (15 mg, 0.28mmol) were added to a solution of intermediate 7 (0.77 g, 2.86 mmol) inEtOH/H₂O (2:1, 15 mL) and the mixture refluxed for one hour. The mixturewas filtered through celite and celite washed with ethanol. Work-up(H₂O/AcOEt) after concentration of the combined layers affordedintermediate 14 as a yellow solid (0.570 g). ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400MHz): 7.75 (d, J 2.5, 1H), 7.27 (d, J 8.6, 1H), 7.06 (dd, J 2.7, 8.6,1H), 5.67 (s, 1H), 5.43 (s, 2H), 2.39-2.27 (m, 1H), 1.88-1.74 (m, 1H),0.90-0.72 (m, 4H), 0.69-0.50 (m, 4H).

Intermediate 15:4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

A procedure similar to that employed for intermediate 12 was followed.From intermediate 8 (0.69 g, 2.32 mmol), EtOH—H₂O (2:1, 12 mL), Fe (0.64g, 15.8 mmol) and NH₄Cl (0.012 mg, 0.22 mmol), the title compound wasobtained as yellow solid (0.49 g). ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz):7.19 (d, J 8.64, 2H), 6.65 (d, J 8.64, 2H), 6.47 (s, 1H), 5.46 (s, 2H),1.75-1.69 (m, 1H), 0.94-0.89 (m, 2H), 0.77-0.73 (m, 2H). MS (m/z): 268.1[M+H]⁺.

Intermediate 16:4-[3-cyclopropyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-3-fluoroaniline

Iron powder (4.75 g, 85.1 mmol) and ammonium chloride (90 mg, 1.7 mmol)were added to a solution of intermediate 9 (5 g, 17.00 mmol) in EtOH/H₂O(2:1, 45 mL) and the mixture refluxed for one hour. The mixture wasfiltered through celite and celite washed with ethanol. Work-up(H₂O/AcOEt) after concentration of the combined layers afforded titledcompound as a yellow solid (4.3 g). ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz):7.16 (t, J 8.5, 1H), 6.50-6.45 (m, 3H), 5.86 (s, 2H), 1.60-1.51 (m, 1H),0.91-0.82 (m, 2H), 0.76-0.69 (m, 2H).

Intermediate 17:6-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]pyridin-3-amine

Iron powder (0.279 g, 5.00 mmol) and ammonium chloride (5 mg, 0.09 mmol)were added to a solution of intermediate 10 (0.77 g, 2.86 mmol) inEtOH/H₂O (2:1, 9 mL) and the mixture refluxed for one hour. The mixturewas filtered through celite and celite washed with ethanol. Work-up(H₂O/AcOEt) after concentration of the combined layers affordedintermediate 17 as a yellow solid (0.239 g). ¹H-NMR (6 ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400MHz): 7.84 (d, J 2.6, 1H), 7.33 (d, J 8.6, 1H), 7.12 (dd, J 2.6, 8.6,1H), 6.49 (s, 1H), 5.69 (s, 2H), 2.45-2.36 (m, 1H), 0.90-0.81 (m, 2H),0.74-0.65 (m, 2H). MS (m/z): 269.2 [M+H]⁺.

Intermediate 18:6-[4-chloro-5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]pyridin-3-amine

Iron powder (1.56 g, 28.0 mmol) and ammonium chloride (600 mg, 11.2mmol) were added to a solution of intermediate 11 (1.7 g, 5.60 mmol) inEtOH/H₂O (2:1, 15 mL) and the mixture refluxed for one hour. The mixturewas filtered through celite and celite washed with ethanol. Work-up(H₂O/AcOEt) and concentration of the combined layers affordedintermediate 18 as a yellow solid (1.1 g). ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400MHz): 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.39 (d, J 8.2, 1H), 7.20 (d, J 8, 1H), 4.26 (s,2H), 2.10-1.99 (m, 1H), 1.96-1.85 (m, 2H), 1.84-1.70 (m, 2H).

Intermediate 19:2-chloro-N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]acetamide

Chloroacetyl chloride (0.2 mL, 2.39 mmol) was added to a solution ofintermediate 12 (600 mg, 2.24 mmol) in dichloromethane (DCM) at 0° C.The mixture was stirred for 15 mins. Work-up (H₂O/DCM) gave theintermediate 19 which was used in the next step without furtherpurification.

Intermediate 20:2-chloro-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}acetamide

Chloroacetyl chloride (0.05 mL, 0.62 mmol) was added to a solution ofintermediate 15 (150 mg, 0.561 mmol) in dichloromethane (DCM) at 0° C.The mixture was stirred for 15 mins. Work-up (H₂O/DCM) gave the titledcompound, which was used in the next step without further purification.

Intermediate 21:2-chloro-N-{6-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]pyridin-3-yl}acetamide

Chloroacetyl chloride (0.16 mL, 2.00 mmol) was added to a solution ofintermediate 17 (500 mg, 1.86 mmol) in dichloromethane (DCM) at 0° C.The mixture was stirred for 15 mins. Work-up (H₂O/DCM) gave theintermediate 21 which was used in the next step without furtherpurification.

Intermediate 22:5-cyclopropyl-1-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole

To the intermediate 16 (1.9 g, 7.20 mmol) in 5 ml water was added Conc.HCl (5 ml) and cooled to 0° C. To this sodium nitrite solution (1 g, 15mmol) was added slowly and stirred for 15 mins at 0° C. To this mixturepotassium iodide solution (2.5 g, 15 mmol) was added at same temperatureand stirred the reaction mixture at rt. Work-up (H₂O/AcOEt) andpurification gave the desired product as a yellow colour liquid. ¹H-NMR(δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 8.01 (dd, J 1.7, 9.5, 1H), 7.79 (dd, J 1.7,8.4, 1H), 7.45 (t, J 8.1, 1H), 6.63 (s, 1H), 1.64-1.56 (m, 1H),0.92-0.84 (m, 2H), 0.79-0.71 (m, 2H).

Intermediate 23:4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-3-fluorobenzoicacid:

Magnesium (143 mg, 6 mmol) and a pinch of iodine suspended in etherunder inert atmosphere. To this small amount of methyl iodide was addedand refluxed the reaction mixture to start Grignard formation. At thisstage intermediate 22 (790 mg, 2 mmol) was added and continued thereaction under reflux condition. After complete consumption of thestarting material, reaction mixture cooled to rt and added dry icepieces into it followed by 2N HCl. Solid that formed was filtered anddried on high vacuum to obtain the title compound (160 mg) as anoff-white solid. ¹H-NMR (6 ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 13.6 (bs, 1H),7.97-7.92 (m, 2H), 7.84-7.78 (m, 1H), 6.68 (s, 1H), 1.69-1.61 (m, 1H),0.94-0.87 (m, 2H), 0.80-0.74 (m, 2H).

Intermediate 24: 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxylic acid:

3,4-diaminobenzoic acid (5 g, 32 mmol) and formic acid (20 ml) weremixed and refluxed overnight. Formic acid was removed on rotavapour andwater added to the residue to obtain the solid. Solid was filtered anddried to obtain the title compound quantitatively.

Intermediate 25: 1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole-6-carboxylic acid

3,4-diaminobenzoic acid (5 g, 32.8 mmol) was dissolved in AcOH (30 ml)and this mixture cooled to 5° C. To this mixture NaNO2 solution (2.7 gin 8 ml water) was added followed by 2 ml sulphuric acid. Reactionmixture was allowed to stir for 90 mins. After that, reaction mixturequenched with ice and solid that obtained was filtered and washed withwater to obtain the title compound (4.5 g) as a brown solid.

Intermediate 26: Quinoline-6-carboxylic acid

Sulphuric acid (67.5 ml) was added to 4-Aminophenylacetic acid (45 g,297 mmol), glycerol (61.7 g, 67 mmol), and iodine (1.14 g, 4 mmol)drop-wise at rt. The mixture was heated to 140° C. for 5 h. After thatreaction mixture quenched with ice and solid that formed was filteredSolid was dissolved in MeOH and charcoal was added to it and refluxedfor 1 h. This mixture was filtered through celite and methanol wasremoved to obtain the title compound (7 g) as a brown solid.

Intermediate 27: Quinoxaline-6-carboxylic acid:

3,4 diamino benzoic acid (500 mg, 3.29 mmol) was added to aqueouspotassium carbonate (7 ml, 1.82 g K₂CO₃) slowly. Then glyoxal bis(sodiumsulphite)adduct hydrate (963 mg, 3.62 mmol) added slowly. This mixtureheated to 80° C. for 5 h to obtain a clear solution. After completion ofreaction, reaction mixture added to dil HCl slowly and solid that formedwas filtered and dried to obtain the title compound as a brown solid(300 mg).

Intermediate 28: Ethyl 2-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)acetate

2-aminopyridine (500 mg, 5.31 mmol) and ethyl chloroacetoacetate (870mg, 5.31 mmol) were dissolved in DMSO and heated to 100° C. for 1 hunder inert atmosphere. After 1 h, water added to reaction mixturefollowed by Work-up (H₂O/AcOEt) and purification on 60-120 meshsilicagel using AcOEt and petroleum ether (30:70) gave the titlecompound (110 mg) as a brown liquid. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, CDCl₃, 400 MHz):8.06 (d, J 6.7, 1H), 7.59 (s, 1H), 7.55 (d, J 9.4, 1H), 7.14 (t, J 7.9,1H), 6.75 (t, J 6.7, 1H), 4.12 (q, J 7.1, 2H), 3.87 (s, 2H), 1.3 (t, J7.1, 3H).

Intermediate 29: 2-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)acetic acid

Intermediate 28 (7.5 g, 39.22 mmol) was dissolved in water (30 ml) andadded NaOH (2.35 g, 58.8 mmol). This mixture was heated to 90° C. for 1h. After that, water removed by distillation and acidified the reactionmixture with dil HCl to pH 7 to obtain the solid. Solid was filtered anddried on vacuum to obtain the title compound as a brown solidquantitatively. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, CDCl₃, 400 MHz): 8.50 (d, J 6.7, 1H),7.82 (s, 1H), 7.46 (d, J 9, 1H), 7.20 (t, J 7.5, 1H), 6.85 (t, J 6.7,1H), 3.69 (s, 2H).

Intermediate 30: 2-(quinolin-6-yl) acetic acid

Sulphuric acid (67.5 ml) was added to 4-Aminophenylacetic acid (45 g,297 mmol), glycerol (61.7 g, 67 mmol), and iodine (1.14 g, 4 mmol)drop-wise at rt. The mixture was heated to 140° C. for 24 h. After thatreaction mixture cooled to rt and pH adjusted to 5 using 10% sodiumhydroxide solution. To this methanol (350 ml) and sulphuric acid (3 ml)was added and heated to 100° C. for 24 h. Reaction mixture filteredthrough celite and filtrate was evaporated on rotavapour to obtain theresidue. pH of the residue was adjusted to 5 using 4% NaOH solution andextracted with EtOAc. EtOAc layer was dried on anhydrous Na₂SO₄ andEtOAc removed on rotavapour to obtain the crude. Crude was purified bycolumn using EtOAc and Petether as eluent to obtainmethyl-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetate (11.2 g).Methyl-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetate (11.2 g) was dissolved in Methanol (8ml) and water (8 ml) and added sodium hydroxide (3.3 g, 82 mmol). Thismixture stirred for 30 mins and methanol removed on rotavapour to obtainthe residue. Residue was acidified to pH 5 using 0.8 N HCl to obtain thesolid. Solid was filtered and dried to obtain the title compound (8.2g).

Intermediate 31: 2-(3-nitropyridin-2-ylamino)acetic acid

2-Chloro-3-nitropyridine (5 g, 31.5 mmol) was dissolved in EtOH (125ml), added potassium carbonate (4.35 g, 31.5 mmol) and to this mixtureglycine (4.73 g, 6.3 mmol) in 25 ml water was added and refluxed forovernight. The reaction mixture cooled to 0° C. to obtain the solid.Then EtOH was removed on rotavapour and acidified with 2N HCl and solidfiltered and dried on vacuum to obtain the title compound quantitativelyas a yellow solid.

Intermediate 32: 2-(3-aminopyridin-2-ylamino)acetic acid

Iron powder (14.15 g, 0.25 mol) and ammonium chloride (5.41 g, 101.47mmol) were added to a solution of intermediate 31 (10 g, 50.74 mmol) inEtOH/H₂O (2:1, 225 mL) and the mixture refluxed for one hour. Themixture was filtered through celite and celite washed with ethanol.Work-up (H₂O/AcOEt) and concentration of the combined layers affordedtitle compound (10 g) as a brown solid.

Intermediate 33: 2-(3H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-3-yl)acetic acid

Intermediate 32 (10.92 g, 65.35 mmol) was dissolved in 30 ml water and13 ml AcOH was added. To this mixture sodium nitrite (4.96 g, 71.88mmol) solution was added at rt and mixture was cooled to 0° C. Thereaction mixture stirred for 30 mins and filtered the reaction mixture.Solid that obtained was dried under vacuum to obtain the title compound(7.5 g) as a red solid.

Intermediate 34: (R)-2-(3-nitropyridin-2-ylamino)propanoic acid

2-Chloro-3-nitropyridine (500 mg, 3.15 mmol) was dissolved in EtOH (12.5ml), added potassium carbonate (435 mg, 3.15 mmol) and to this mixture(S)-2-aminopropanoic acid (561 mg, 6.3 mmol) in 2.5 ml water was addedand refluxed for overnight. Reaction mixture cooled to 0° C. to obtainthe solid. Then EtOH was removed on rotavapour and acidified with 2N HCland solid filtered and dried on vacuum to obtain the title compound (460mg) as an yellow solid.

Intermediate 35: (R)-2-(3-aminopyridin-2-ylamino)propanoic acid

Iron powder (657 mg, 11.78 mmol) and ammonium chloride (251 mg, 53.4mmol) were added to a solution of intermediate 34 (500 mg, 2.35 mmol) inEtOH/H₂O (2:1, 12 mL) and the mixture refluxed for one hour. The mixturewas filtered through celite and celite washed with ethanol. Work-up(H₂O/AcOEt) and concentration of the combined layers afforded titlecompound (600 mg) as a black solid.

Intermediate 36: (R)-2-(3H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-3-yl) propanoicacid

Intermediate 35 (600 mg, 3.3 mmol) was dissolved in 1.5 ml water and 0.5ml AcOH was added. To this mixture sodium nitrite ((190 mg, 2.76 mmol)solution was added at rt and mixture was cooled to 0° C. The reactionmixture stirred for 30 mins and then filtered. The resulting solid wasdried under vacuum to obtain the title compound (160 mg) as a red solid.¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 11.04 (s, 1H), 8.18-8.17 (m, 1H),7.51-7.40 (m, 2H), 5.30 (q, J 7.12, 1H), 1.18 (d, J 7.12, 3H).

Intermediate 37: methyl 2-(quinolin-6-yl) propanoate

THF (5 ml) was taken in a RBF, diisopropyl amine (0.19 ml, 1.29 mmol)was added and cooled to −78° C. under nitrogen atmosphere. Then n-BuLi(0.8 ml, 1.29 mmol) was added and stirred at same temperature for 30mins. At this stage methyl 2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetate (0.2 g, 0.99 mmol)was added and stirred at −78° C. for 30 mins. Then methyl iodide (0.17g, 1.2 mmol) was added and stirred at −78° C. for 30 mins and thenslowly brought to rt. At rt the reaction mixture was allowed to stirovernight. The reaction mixture was quenched with water and extractedwith EtOAc. The organic layer dried on anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and EtOAcremoved using a rotary evaporator to obtain the crude product, which waspurified by column chromatography on 60-120 mesh silica gel and EA andPetether (25:75) as eluent. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, CDCl₃, 400 MHz): 8.89-8.86(m, 1H), 8.13 (d, J 7.8, 1H), 8.07 (d, J 8.7, 1H), 7.76-7.64 (m, 2H),7.42-7.37 (m, 1H), 3.92 (q, J 7.2, 1H), 3.68 (s, 3H), 1.60 (d, J 7.2,3H).

Intermediate 38: 2-(quinolin-6-yl)propanoic acid

Intermediate 37 (440 mg, 2.04 mmol) was dissolved in MeOH (5 ml), addedwater (2 ml) and lithium hydroxide (427 mg, 10.2 mmol). This mixture wasrefluxed for 2 hrs and cooled the reaction mixture. Methanol was removedon rotavapour and to the residue 6 N HCl was added to adjust the pH to7. The solid that obtained was filtered and dried to obtain the titlecompound as a solid.

Intermediate 39: quinolin-6-ylmethanamine

6-Cyano quinoline (14 gms) [Synthesized as per Srivastava, Rajiv et al,Synthetic Communications 37 (3), 431-438, 2007], ammonical methanol (250ml), raney nickel (20 gms) were mixed and kept under hydrogenatmposphere (50-60 Psi) for 4 h at 40-45° C. After completion of thereaction, reaction mixture was filtered through celite, and celite bedwashed with MeOH. Filtrate was concentrated to give the title compound(13.5 g) as a black syrupy liquid.

General Procedure for Amide Formation:

Procedure-1:

A solution of an appropriate aniline (1 eq.), the requisite acid (1.1eq.), EDC.HCl (1.2 eq.), HOBt (0.5 eq.) and TEA (3 eq.) in DMF wasstirred at RT overnight. Work-up (H₂O/AcOEt) and purification gave thedesired product.

Procedure-2:

Acid (1 eq.) was dissolved in DCM, cooled to 0° C., added oxalylchloride (3 eq.) and three drops of DMF. The reaction mixture wasstirred at room temperature for 30 mins and DCM was removed onrotavapour to obtain the acid chloride. Amine was dissolved in DCM underN₂ atmosphere and added Pyridine (1.3 eq). To this mixture acid chloridein DCM was added and allowed to stir at room temperature until amine wastotally consumed. Work-up (H₂O/AcOEt) and purification gave the desiredproduct.

The following compounds were prepared using these procedures:

EXAMPLE 1N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-6-carboxamide

Following the general procedure-1, the title compound (160 mg) wasprepared from intermediate 24 (97 mg, 0.60 mmol) and intermediate 12(120 mg, 0.50 mmol) as an off-white solid. M. P.: 170-176° C. ¹H-NMR (δppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 12.74 (bs, 1H), 10.37 (s, 1H), 8.37 (s, 1H),8.30 (s, 1H), 7.93 (d, J 8.84, 2H), 7.87-7.84 (m, 1H), 7.69 (d, J 8.48,1H), 7.55 (d, J 8.84, 2H), 5.79 (s, 1H), 1.86-1.76 (m, 2H), 0.94-0.90(m, 2H), 0.89-0.82 (m, 2H), 0.69-0.62 (m, 4H). MS (m/z): 382.17. [M−H]⁻.

EXAMPLE 2N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole-6-carboxamide

Following the general procedure-1, the title compound (30 mg) wasprepared from intermediate 25 (97 mg, 0.59 mmol) and intermediate 12(120 mg, 0.50 mmol) as a white solid. M. P.: 240-246° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm,DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 16.02 (bs, 1H), 10.55 (s, 1H), 8.6 (bs, 1H),8.06-7.98 (m, 2H), 7.92 (d, J 8.8, 2H), 7.57 (d, J 8.8, 2H), 5.80 (s,1H), 1.84-1.78 (m, 2H), 0.93-0.82 (m, 4H), 0.69-0.62 (m, 4H). MS (m/z):383.21 [M−H]⁻.

EXAMPLE 3N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]quinoline-6-carboxamidehydrochloride

Following the general procedure-1,N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]quinoline-6-carboxamide(60 mg) was prepared from intermediate 26 (95 mg, 0.55 mmol) andintermediate 12 (120 mg, 0.5 mmol) as a pale yellow solid and dissolvedin THF. Saturated HCl in diethyl ether was added at 0° C. to thissolution and stirred for 15 min. Solid that separated out was filteredand dried to give the title compound (46 mg) as a white solid. M. P.114-119° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 11.00 (s, 1H), 9.34 (d, J3.8, 1H), 9.18 (d, J 8.2, 1H), 9.00 (s, 1H), 8.59 (d, J 8.8, 1H), 8.48(d, J 8.8, 1H), 8.15-8.05 (m, 1H), 7.61 (d, J 8.9, 2H), 7.61 (d, J 8.9,2H), 5.84 (s, 1H), 1.89-1.77 (m, 2H), 0.95-0.84 (m, 4H), 0.70-0.64 (m,4H). MS (m/z): 393.05 [M−H—HCl]⁻.

EXAMPLE 4N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]quinoxaline-6-carboxamide

Following the general procedure-1, the title compound (48 mg) wasprepared from intermediate 27 (104 mg, 0.574 mmol) and intermediate 12(120 mg, 0.50 mmol) as a white solid. M. P.: 162-167° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm,DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.77 (s, 1H), 9.08-9.06 (br. d, J 4.7, 2H), 8.77 (d,J 1.7, 1H), 8.36 (d, J 1.9, 1H), 8.24 (d, J 8.76, 1H), 7.96 (d, J 8.84,2H), 7.59 (d, J 8.84, 2H), 5.81 (s, 1H), 1.88-1.77 (m, 2H), 0.95-0.90(m, 2H), 0.87-0.82 (m, 2H), 0.69-0.62 (m, 4H). MS (m/z): 394. [M−H]⁻.

EXAMPLE 52-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)-N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]acetamide

Intermediate 19 (130 mg, 0.41 mmol) and benzimidazole (53 mg, 0.45 mmol)were dissolved in DMF (5 mL) at 0° C. and Sodium Hydride (28.35 mg, 1.23mmol) was added to the reaction mixture. Then reaction was allowed tostir at ambient temperatures for overnight. Work-up (H₂O:AcOEt) followedby purification on column afforded the title compound (40 mg) as a whitesolid. M. P. 230-235° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.61 (s,1H), 8.23 (s, 1H), 7.70-7.65 (m, 3H), 7.54-7.51 (m, 3H), 7.26-7.18 (m,2H), 5.78 (s, 1H), 5.19 (s, 2H), 1.86-1.71 (m, 2H), 0.92-0.80 (m, 4H),0.68-0.59 (m, 4H). MS (m/z): 396.07 [M−H]⁻.

EXAMPLE 62-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]acetamide

Following the general procedure-1, the title compound (100 mg) wasprepared from 2-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)acetic acid (177 mg,0.60 mmol) and intermediate 12 (120 mg, 0.50 mmol) as an off-whitesolid. M. P.: 216-220° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.75 (s,1H), 8.07 (d, J 8.4, 1H), 7.85 (d, J 8.4, 1H), 7.69 (d, J 8.84, 2H),7.58-7.52 (m, 3H), 7.44-7.40 (m, 1H), 5.78 (s, 1H), 5.71 (s, 2H),1.85-1.80 (m, 2H), 0.90-0.80 (m, 4H), 0.66-0.60 (m, 4H). MS (m/z):396.93 [M−H]⁻.

EXAMPLE 7N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-2-(1H-indol-3-yl)acetamide

The title compound (160 mg) was prepared from 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)aceticacid (104 mg, 0.6 mmol) and intermediate 12 (120 mg, 0.500 mmol) as awhite solid. M. P. 158-164° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.90(s, 1H), 10.23 (s, 1H), 7.70 (d, J 8.8, 2H), 7.60 (d, J 7.8, 1H), 7.47(d, J 8.8, 2H), 7.34 (d, J 8.0, 1H), 7.26-7.25 (d, J 1.9, 1H), 7.06 (t,J 7.4, 1H), 6.97 (t, J 7.3, 1H), 5.76 (s, 1H), 3.74 (s, 2H), 1.84-1.80(m, 1H), 1.79-1.71 (m, 1H), 0.89-0.79 (m, 4H), 0.65-0.59 (m, 4H). MS(m/z): 395.25 [M−H]⁻.

EXAMPLE 8N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-2-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)acetamidehydrochloride

Following the general procedure-1,N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-2-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)acetamide(56 mg) was prepared from intermediate 29 (79 mg, 0.45 mmol) andintermediate 12 (90 mg, 0.38 mmol) as a brown solid and dissolved inTHF. Saturated HCl in diethyl ether was added to this solution at 0° C.and stirred for 15 min. Solid that separated out was filtered and driedto give the title compound (54 mg) as a pale-brown solid. M. P. 92-97°C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.82 (s, 1H), 8.92 (d, J 6.7, 1H),8.32 (s, 1H), 7.97-7.92 (m, 2H), 7.75 (d, J 8.7, 2H), 7.53 (d, J 8.7,2H), 7.52-7.47 (m, 1H), 5.79 (s, 1H), 3.80 (s, 2H), 1.87-1.71 (m, 2H),0.93-0.79 (m, 4H), 0.69-0.58 (m, 4H). MS (m/z): 398.24 [M+H—HCl]⁺.

EXAMPLE 9N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamide

Following the general procedure-1, the title compound (45 mg) wasobtained from intermediate 30 (93 mg, 0.49 mmol) and intermediate 12(100 mg, 0.42 mmol) as a brown solid. M. P.: 171-177° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm,DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.41 (s, 1H), 8.86-8.85 (m, 1H), 8.34 (d, J 8.26,1H), 7.98 (d, J 8.64, 1H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 7.76-7.70 (m, 3H), 7.52-7.48(m, 3H), 5.77 (s, 1H), 3.88 (s, 2H), 1.84-1.78 (m, 1H), 1.77-1.70 (m,1H), 0.90-0.80 (m, 4H), 0.65-0.59 (m, 4H). MS (m/z): 409.38 [M+H]⁺.

EXAMPLE 10N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamidehydrochloride

EXAMPLE 9 (200 mg, 0.48 mmol) was dissolved in saturated HCl in diethylether at 0° C. and stirred for 15 min. Solid that separated out wasfiltered and dried to give the title compound (140 mg, 65% yield) as abrown solid. M. P.: 152-158° C. ¹H-NMR (6 ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.78(s, 1H), 9.26 (m, 1H), 9.16 (d, J 8.3, 1H), 8.36 (d, J 8.8, 1H), 8.29(s, 1H), 8.17-8.15 (m, 1H), 8.08-8.04 (m, 1H), 7.75 (d, J 8.9, 2H), 7.50(d, J 8.9, 2H), 5.79 (s, 1H), 4.04 (s, 2H), 1.85-1.70 (m, 2H), 0.89-0.81(m, 4H), 0.66-0.60 (m, 4H). MS (m/z): 443.01 [M−H]⁻.

EXAMPLE 112-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-N-(4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-fluorophenyl)acetamide

Following the general procedure-1, the title compound (29 mg) wasprepared from 2-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)acetic acid (133 mg,0.75 mmol) and intermediate 13 (120 mg, 0.47 mmol) as a pale-yellowsolid. M. P.: 201-203° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 11.0 (s,1H), 8.07 (d, J 8.4, 1H), 7.85 (d, J 8.4, 1H), 7.74 (dd, J 2, 12.5, 1H),7.56 (t, J 7.4, 1H), 7.47 (t, J 8.4, 1H), 7.43-7.40 (m, 2H), 5.74 (s,2H), 1.86-1.80 (m, 1H), 1.55-1.44 (m, 2H), 0.90-0.74 (m, 4H), 0.62-0.54(m, 4H). MS (m/z): 417.28[M+H]⁺.

EXAMPLE 12N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-fluorophenyl]-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamidehydrochloride

Following the general procedure-1,N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-fluorophenyl]-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamide(95 mg) was prepared from intermediate 13 (200 mg, 0.78 mmol) andintermediate 30 (232 mg, 1.2 mmol) as an yellow solid and dissolved inTHF. Saturated HCl in diethyl ether was added to this solution at 0° C.and stirred for 15 min. Solid that separated out was filtered and driedto give the title compound (50 mg) as an yellow solid. M. P.:106.8-108.2° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.99 (s, 1H), 9.24(d, J 4.5, 1H), 9.09 (d, J 8.0, 1H), 8.32-8.25 (m, 2H), 8.12 (d, J 8.6,1H), 8.05-8.01 (m, 1H), 7.83 (d, J 11.3, 1H), 7.50-7.41 (m, 2H), 5.73(s, 1H), 4.07 (s, 2H), 1.84-1.76 (m, 1H), 1.52-1.42 (m, 1H), 0.82-0.74(m, 4H), 0.62-0.52 (m, 4H). MS (m/z): 427.10 [M+H]⁺.

EXAMPLE 13N-[6-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridin-3-yl]quinoline-6-carboxamidedihydrochloride

Following the general procedure-1,N-[6-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridin-3-yl]quinoline-6-carboxamide(71 mg) was prepared from intermediate 26 (103 mg, 0.59 mmol) andintermediate 14 (120 mg, 0.49 mmol) as an orange solid and dissolved inTHF. Saturated HCl in diethyl ether was added to this solution at 0° C.and stirred for 15 min. Solid that separated out was filtered and driedto give the title compound (62 mg) as an yellow solid. M. P. 232-238° C.¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 11.09 (s, 1H), 9.25 (d, J 4.0, 1H),9.02 (d, J 7.3, 1H), 8.93 (d, J 8.4, 2H), 8.53 (d, J 9.0, 1H), 8.43-8.36(m, 2H), 8.02-7.95 (m, 1H), 7.78 (d, J 8.8, 1H), 5.83 (s, 1H), 2.74-2.65(m, 1H), 1.93-1.84 (m, 1H), 1.00-0.80 (m, 4H), 0.74-0.58 (m, 4H). MS(m/z): 393.94 [M−H-2HCl]⁻.

EXAMPLE 14N-[6-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridin-3-yl]quinoxaline-6-carboxamide

Following the general procedure-1, title compound (117 mg) was preparedfrom intermediate 27 (104 mg, 0.59 mmol) and intermediate 14 (120 mg,0.49 mmol) as a brown solid M. P. 193-198° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆,400 MHz): 10.98 (s, 1H), 9.08 (dd, J 1.6, 5.8, 2H), 8.91 (d, J 2.4, 1H),8.81 (d, J 1.6, 1H), 8.40-8.36 (m, 2H), 8.25 (d, J 8.7, 1H), 7.77 (d, J8.7, 1H), 5.83 (s, 1H), 2.75-2.61 (m, 1H), 1.94-1.81 (m, 1H), 0.98-0.82(m, 4H), 0.70-0.55 (m, 4H). MS (m/z): 397.22 [M+H—HCl]⁺.

EXAMPLE 152-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-N-[6-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridin-3-yl]acetamide

Following the general procedure-1, title compound (250 mg) was preparedfrom intermediate 14 (200 mg, 0.84 mmol) and2-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)acetic acid (237 mg, 1.34 mmol) as anorange solid M. P.: 130.1-132.8° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz):10.92 (s, 1H), 8.64 (d, J 2.6, 1H), 8.13 (dd, J 2.6, 8.9, 1H), 8.07 (d,J 8.4, 1H), 7.86 (d, J 8.4, 1H), 7.70 (d, J 8.9, 1H), 7.56 (t, J 7.6,1H), 7.44 (t, J 7.6, 1H), 5.81 (s, 1H), 5.74 (s, 2H), 2.70-2.60 (m, 1H),1.90-1.80 (m, 1H), 0.93-0.83 (m, 4H), 0.70-0.58 (m, 4H). MS (m/z):400.28 [M+H—HCl]⁺.

EXAMPLE 16N-[6-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridin-3-yl]-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamidedihydrochloride

Following the general procedure-1,N-[6-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridin-3-yl]-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamide(138 mg) was prepared from intermediate 30 (112 mg, 0.59 mmol) andintermediate 14 (120 mg, 0.49 mmol) as a pale yellow solid and dissolvedin THF. Saturated HCl in diethyl ether was added to this solution at 0°C. and stirred for 15 min. Solid that separated out was filtered anddried to give the title compound (34 mg) as an off-white solid. M. P.62-67° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.86 (s, 1H), 9.21 (d, J4.4, 1H), 9.04 (d, J 8.1, 1H), 8.69 (s, 1H), 8.30-8.22 (m, 2H), 8.18 (d,J 8.1, 1H), 8.09 (d, J 8.4, 1H), 8.00-7.97 (m, 1H), 7.68 (d, J 8.8, 1H),5.80 (s, 1H), 4.05 (s, 2H), 2.69-2.55 (m, 1H), 1.89-1.75 (m, 1H),0.97-0.78 (m, 4H), 0.70-0.50 (m, 4H). MS (m/z): 410.26 [M+H-2HCl]⁺.

EXAMPLE 17N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}quinoline-6-carboxamidehydrochloride

Following general procedure-1,N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}quinoline-6-carboxamide(35 mg) was prepared from intermediate 26 (85 mg, 0.49 mmol) andintermediate 15 (120 mg, 0.45 mmol) as a brown solid (35 mg) anddissolved THF. Saturated HCl in diethyl ether was added to the solutionat 0° C. and stirred for 15 min. Solid that separated out was filteredand dried to give the title compound (30 mg) as an yellow solid. M. P.188-192° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.86 (s, 1H), 9.15 (d, J4, 1H), 8.80-8.78 (m, 2H), 8.39 (d, J 8.8, 1H), 8.26 (d, J 8.8, 1H),8.04 (d, J 8.8, 2H), 7.83-7.80 (m, 1H), 7.67 (d, J 8.8, 2H), 6.62 (s,1H), 1.89-1.84 (m, 1H), 1.00-0.96 (m, 2H), 0.84-0.80 (m, 2H). MS (m/z):457.16 [M−H]⁻.

EXAMPLE 18N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}quinoxaline-6-carboxamide

Following the general procedure-1, the title compound (60 mg) wasprepared from intermediate 27 (78 mg, 0.44 mmol) and intermediate 15(110 mg, 0.411 mmol) as a pale yellow solid. M. P. 205-209° C. ¹H-NMR (δppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.87 (s, 1H), 9.08-9.05 (m, 2H), 8.79 (d, J1.6, 1H), 8.36 (dd, J 1.8, 8.7, 1H), 8.25 (d, J 8.72, 1H), 8.05 (d, J8.84, 2H), 7.67 (d, J 8.8, 2H), 6.62 (s, 1H), 1.88-1.84 (m, 1H),0.99-0.96 (m, 2H), 0.84-0.81 (m, 2H). MS (m/z): 422.03 [M−H]⁻.

EXAMPLE 192-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}acetamide

Intermediate 20 (180 mg, 0.523 mmol) and benzimidazole were dissolved inDMF (3 mL) at 0° C. and Sodium Hydride (37.7 mg, 1.57 mmol) was added tothe reaction mixture. Then reaction was allowed to stir at ambienttemperature overnight. Work-up (H₂O:AcOEt) followed by purification oncolumn afforded the title compound as a white solid. M. P. 178-184° C.¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.72 (s, 1H), 8.23 (s, 1H), 7.77 (d,J 8.8, 2H), 7.66 (d, J 7.72, 1H), 7.59 (d, J 8.8, 2H), 7.54 (d, J 7.72,1H), 7.26-7.18 (m, 2H), 6.59 (s, 1H), 5.21 (s, 2H), 1.82-1.78 (m, 1H),0.96-0.92 (m, 2H), 0.81-0.77 (m, 2H). MS (m/z): 424.04 [M−H]⁻.

EXAMPLE 202-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}acetamide

Intermediate 20 (150 mg, 0.44 mmol) and benzotriazole (52 mg, 0.44 mmol)were dissolved in DMF (3 mL) at 0° C. and Sodium Hydride (31.5 mg, 1.30mmol) was added to the reaction mixture. Then reaction was allowed tostir at ambient temperatures for overnight. Work-up (H₂O:AcOEt) followedby purification on column afforded the title compound (60 mg) as a whitesolid. M. P. 200-204° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.86 (s,1H), 8.07 (d, J 8.4, 2H), 7.86 (d, J 8.4, 2H), 7.77 (d, J 8.8, 1H), 7.60(d, J 8.8, 1H), 7.59-7.54 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.40 (m, 1H), 6.60 (s, 1H), 5.73(s, 2H), 1.83-1.77 (m, 1H), 0.97-0.92 (m, 2H), 0.79-0.75 (m, 2H). MS(m/z): 425.02 [M−H]⁻.

EXAMPLE 212-(2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}acetamide

Intermediate 20 (500 mg, 1.45 mmol) and benzotriazole (173 mg, 1.45mmol) were dissolved in DMF (10 mL) at 0° C. and Sodium Hydride (31.5mg, 1.30 mmol) was added to the reaction mixture. Then reaction wasallowed to stir at ambient temperatures for overnight. Work-up(H₂O:AcOEt) followed by purification on column afforded the titlecompound (60 mg) as a white solid. M. P. 188-192° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm,DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.85 (s, 1H), 7.95 (dd, J 2.8, 6.4, 2H), 7.77 (d, J8.7, 2H), 7.61 (d, J 8.7, 2H), 7.45 (dd, J 2.8, 6.4, 2H), 6.60 (s, 1H),5.74 (s, 2H), 1.86-1.78 (m, 1H), 0.99-0.91 (m, 2H), 0.83-0.76 (m, 2H).MS (m/z): 425.14. [M−H]⁻.

EXAMPLE 222-(3H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-3-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}acetamide

Following the general procedure-2, the title compound (20 mg) wasprepared from intermediate 15 (500 mg, 1.9 mmol) and intermediate 33(442 mg, 2.2 mmol) as a white solid. M. P.: 206-209° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm,DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.98 (s, 1H), 7.83 (dd, J 1.4, 4.8, 1H), 7.71 (d, J8.9, 2H), 7.60 (d, J 8.9, 2H), 7.35 (dd, J 1.4, 8, 1H), 7.20-7.15 (m,1H), 6.61 (s, 1H), 4.50 (s, 2H), 1.85-1.76 (m, 1H), 1.00-0.92 (m, 2H),0.82-0.76 (m, 2H). MS (m/z): 468.71 [M+CH₃CN]⁺.

EXAMPLE 23(S)-2-(3H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-3-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}propanamide

Following the general procedure-2, the title compound (20 mg) wasprepared from intermediate 15 (180 mg, 0.67 mmol) and intermediate 36(170 mg, 0.81 mmol) as a pale-yellow solid. M. P.: 186-191° C. ¹H-NMR (δppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 11.02 (s, 1H), 7.86 (dd, J 1.3, 4.8, 1H), 7.72(d, J 8.8, 2H), 7.60 (d, J 8.8, 2H), 7.38 (dd, J 1.3, 8, 1H), 7.22-7.14(m, 1H), 6.60 (s, 1H), 4.94 (q, J 7.2, 1H), 1.89-1.79 (m, 1H), 1.29 (d,J 7.2, 3H), 1.00-0.92 (m, 2H), 0.82-0.74 (m, 2H). MS (m/z): 482.78[M+CH₃CN]⁺.

EXAMPLE 242-(6-amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}acetamide

Adenine (233 mg, 1.76 mmol) was dissolved in DMF (10 ml) and addedpotassium carbonate (298 mg, 2.2 mmol) stirred at rt for 30 mins.Intermediate 15 (233 mg, 1.8 mmol) was added to this reaction mixtureand stirred at rt for 2 h. After completion of the reaction, water addedto reaction mixture and extracted with AcOEt. AcOEt layer was dried onanhydrous sodium sulphate and AcOEt removed on rotavapour to obtain thecrude. Crude was purified by column using DCM:MeOH (98:2) as eluent toobtain the titled compound as a white solid. M. P.: 249.3-251.7° C.¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.73 (s, 1H), 8.12 (d, J 8.12, 2H),7.76 (d, J 8.8, 2H), 7.59 (d, J 8.8, 2H), 7.23 (s, 2H), 6.60 (s, 1H),5.10 (s, 2H), 1.85-1.76 (m, 1H), 1.00-0.90 (m, 2H), 0.82-0.74 (m, 2H).MS (m/z): 440.71 [M−H]⁻.

EXAMPLE 25N-(4-(5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl)-2-(1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-purin-7(6H)-yl)acetamide

Following the general procedure-1, the title compound (77 mg) wasprepared from theophylline-7-acetic acid (117 mg, 0.49 mmol) andintermediate 15 (120 mg, 0.45 mmol) as a pale yellow solid. M. P.178-184° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.66 (s, 1H), 8.07 (s,1H), 7.75 (d, J 8.9, 2H), 7.59 (d, J 8.9, 2H), 6.59 (s, 1H), 5.23 (s,2H), 3.45 (s, 3H), 3.19 (s, 3H), 1.83-1.77 (m, 1H), 0.98-0.91 (m, 2H),0.85-0.76 (m, 2H). MS (m/z): 486.20 [M−H]⁻.

EXAMPLE 26N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl)-2-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)acetamidehydrochloride

Following the general procedure-1,N-{4-[5(3)-cyclopropyl-3(5)-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl)-2-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)acetamidewas prepared from intermediate 29 (71 mg, 0.40 mmol) and intermediate 15(90 mg, 0.34 mmol) as a brown solid and dissolved in THF. Saturated HClin diethyl ether was added to this solution at 0° C. and stirred for 15min. Solid that separated out was filtered and dried to give the titlecompound (79 mg) as a white solid. M. P. 294-299° C. ¹H-NMR (6 ppm,DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.85 (s, 1H), 8.90 (d, J 6.5, 1H), 8.30 (s, 1H),7.97-7.88 (m, 2H), 7.82 (d, J 8.7, 2H), 7.61 (d, J 8.7, 2H), 7.47 (t, J5.6, 1H), 6.61 (s, 1H), 4.16 (s, 2H), 1.84-1.79 (m, 1H), 0.98-0.90 (m,2H), 0.64-0.49 (m, 2H). MS (m/z): 426.27 [M+H—HCl]⁺.

EXAMPLE 27N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamidehydrochloride

Following the general procedure-1,N-{4-[3-cyclopropyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamide(95 mg) was prepared from intermediate 30 (92 mg, 0.49 mmol) andintermediate 15 (120 mg, 0.45 mmol) as an off-white solid. This amidewas dissolved in saturated HCl in diethyl ether at 0° C. and stirred for15 min. Solid that separated out was filtered and dried to give thetitle compound (80 mg) as an off-white solid. M. P. 248-254° C. ¹H-NMR(δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.75 (s, 1H), 9.17 (d, J 4.4, 1H), 8.95 (d,J 8.2, 1H), 8.24-8.19 (m, 2H), 8.05 (d, J 8.6, 1H), 7.94-7.91 (m, 1H),7.82 (d, J 8.7, 2H), 7.57 (d, J 8.7, 2H), 6.59 (s, 1H), 4.03 (s, 2H),1.79-1.75 (m, 1H), 0.96-0.91 (m, 2H), 0.80-0.77 (m, 2H). MS (m/z): 435[M−H—HCl]⁻.

EXAMPLE 28N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-2-(quinolin-6-yl)propanamidehydrochloride

Following the general procedure-1,N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-2-(quinolin-6-yl)propanamide(74 mg) was prepared from intermediate 15 (150 mg, 0.56 mmol) andintermediate 38 (180 mg, 0.89 mmol) as a brown solid and dissolved inTHF. Saturated HCl in diethyl ether was added to this solution at 0° C.and stirred for 15 min. Solid that separated out was filtered and driedto give the title compound (45 mg) as a brown solid. M. P.: 168-170° C.¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.61 (s, 1H), 9.11 (d, J 3.7, 1H),8.87 (d, J 8, 1H), 8.18 (d, J 9, 2H), 8.07 (dd, J 1.6, 8.8, 1H), 7.85(dd, J 4.9, 8.3, 1H), 7.79 (d, J 8.9, 2H), 7.55 (d, J 8.9, 2H), 6.59 (s,1H), 4.20 (q, J 6.8, 1H), 1.80-1.70 (m, 1H), 1.57 (d, J 6.8, 3H),1.00-0.90 (m, 2H), 0.80-0.70 (m, 2H). MS (m/z): 451.11 [M+H—HCl]⁻.

EXAMPLE 29N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-3-fluorophenyl}-1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole-6-carboxamide

Following the general procedure-2, the title compound (30 mg) wasprepared from intermediate 16 (150 mg, 0.53 mmol) and intermediate 25(114 mg, 0.63 mmol) as a white solid. M. P.: 235-237° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm,DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.84 (s, 1H), 8.66 (s, 1H), 8.07 (dd, J 2.2, 12.7,1H), 8.02 (s, 2H), 7.79 (dd, J 1.8, 8.7, 1H), 7.66 (t, J 8.6, 1H), 6.62(s, 1H), 1.68-1.60 (m, 1H), 0.96-0.88 (m, 2H), 0.81-0.75 (m, 2H). MS(m/z): 428.84 [M−H]⁻.

EXAMPLE 302-(1H-benzo[d][triazol-1-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-3-fluorophenyl}acetamide

Following the general procedure-1, the title compound (145 mg) wasprepared from 2-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)acetic acid (112 mg,0.80 mmol) and intermediate 16 (300 mg, 1.14 mmol) as a white solid M.P.: 197-202° C. ¹H-NMR (8 ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 11.09 (s, 1H), 8.07(d, J 8.4, 1H), 7.86 (d, J 8.4, 1H), 7.81 (dd, J 2, 12.4, 1H), 7.63 (t,J 8.6, 1H), 7.57 (t, J 7.7, 1H), 7.50-7.48 (m, 1H), 7.42 (t, J 7.8, 1H),6.60 (s, 1H), 5.75 (s, 2H), 1.64-1.52 (m, 1H), 0.92-0.84 (m, 2H),0.78-0.69 (m, 2H). MS (m/z): 442.69 [M−H]⁻.

EXAMPLE 31N-{6-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]pyridin-3-yl)-1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole-5-carboxamide

Following the general procedure-1, the title compound (43 mg) wasprepared from intermediate 17 (200 mg, 0.75 mmol) and intermediate 25(194 mg, 1.2 mmol) as a white solid. M. P.: 235.6-238.4° C. ¹H-NMR (δppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.86 (s, 1H), 8.99 (d, J 2.5, 1H), 8.68 (bs,1H), 8.48 (dd, J 2.6, 8.8, 1H), 8.08-8.01 (m, 2H), 7.82 (d, J 8.8, 1H),6.65 (s, 1H), 2.58-2.50 (m, 1H), 1.04-0.98 (m, 2H), 0.82-0.74 (m, 2H).MS (m/z): 413.89 [M+H]⁺.

EXAMPLE 322-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-N-{6-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]pyridin-3-yl}acetamide

Intermediate 21 (200 mg, 0.58 mmol) and benzotriazole (69 mg, 0.58 mmol)were dissolved in DMF (10 mL) at 0° C. and Sodium Hydride (41.0 mg, 1.74mmol) was added to the reaction mixture. Then reaction was allowed tostir at ambient temperatures for overnight. Work-up (H₂O:AcOEt) followedby purification on column afforded the title compound (60 mg) as a whitesolid. M. P. 189-192° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 11.07 (s,1H), 8.76 (d, J 2.1, 1H), 8.25 (dd, J 2.3, 8.8 1H), 8.07 (d, J 8.3, 1H),7.87 (d, J 8.3, 1H), 7.78 (d, J 8.8, 1H), 7.57 (t, J 7.6, 1H), 7.42 (t,J 7.6, 1H), 6.62 (s, 1H), 5.77 (s, 2H), 2.40-2.30 (m, 1H), 1.00-0.90 (m,2H), 0.80-0.70 (m, 2H). MS (m/z): 426.13 [M−H]⁻.

EXAMPLE 332-(2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)-N-{6-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]pyridin-3-yl}acetamide

Intermediate 21 (200 mg, 0.58 mmol) and benzotriazole (69 mg, 0.58 mmol)were dissolved in DMF (10 mL) at ° C. and Sodium Hydride (41.0 mg, 1.74mmol) was added to the reaction mixture. Then reaction was allowed tostir at ambient temperatures for overnight. Work-up (H₂O:AcOEt) followedby purification on column afforded the title compound (60 mg) as a whitesolid. M. P. 193-198° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 11.06 (s,1H), 8.75 (d, J 2.4, 1H), 8.25 (dd, J 2.5, 8.8, 1H), 7.98-7.92 (m, 2H),7.78 (d, J 8.8, 1H), 7.50-7.44 (m, 2H), 6.62 (s, 1H), 5.78 (s, 2H),2.58-2.40 (m, 1H), 1.00-0.90 (m, 2H), 0.80-0.71 (m, 2H). MS (m/z):425.99 [M−H]⁻.

EXAMPLE 34N-{6-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]pyridin-3-yl}-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamidehydrochloride

Following the general procedure-1,N-{6-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]pyridin-3-yl}-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamide(67 mg) was prepared from intermediate 30 (133 mg, 0.71 mmol) andintermediate 17 (120 mg, 0.45 mmol) as a pale yellow solid and dissolvedin THF. Saturated HCl in diethyl ether was added to this solution at 0°C. and stirred for 15 min. Solid that separated out was filtered anddried to give the title compound (63 mg) as a white solid. M. P.225-230° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 10.96 (s, 1H), 9.15 (d, J4.4, 1H), 8.90 (d, J 8.0, 1H), 8.80 (d, J 2.3, 1H), 8.30 (dd, J 2.4,8.8, 1H), 8.21 (d, J 8.7, 1H), 8.18 (s, 1H), 8.03 (d, J 8.3, 1H), 7.90(dd, J 5, 8.2, 1H), 7.75 (d, J 8.8, 1H), 6.61 (s, 1H), 4.06 (s, 2H),2.51-2.40 (m, 1H), 1.01-0.90 (m, 2H), 0.81-0.70 (m, 2H). MS (m/z):436.02 [M−H-2HCl]⁻.

EXAMPLE 352-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-N-{6-[4-chloro-5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]pyridin-3-yl}acetamide

Following the general procedure-1, the title compound (97 mg) wasprepared from 2-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)acetic acid (123 mg,0.68 mmol) and intermediate 18 (120 mg, 0.43 mmol) as a brown solid. M.P.: 182.5-189.3° C. ¹H-NMR (δ ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 11.13 (s, 1H),8.78 (d, J 2.4, 1H), 8.27 (dd, J 2.6, 8, 1H), 8.07 (d, J 8.4, 1H), 7.87(d, J 8.4, 1H), 7.75 (d, J 8.7, 1H), 7.6 (t, J 7.3, 1H), 7.4 (t, J 7.5,1H), 5.78 (s, 2H), 2.20-2.08 (m, 1H), 0.92-0.84 (m, 2H), 0.70-0.59 (m,2H). MS (m/z): 459.8[M−H]⁻.

EXAMPLE 364-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-3-fluoro-N-(quinolin-6-ylmethyl)benzamidehydrochloride

Following the general procedure-2,4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-3-fluoro-N-(quinolin-6-ylmethyl)benzamide(83 mg) was prepared from intermediate 23 (200 mg, 0.67 mmol) andintermediate 39 (188 mg, 0. 60 mmol) as a white solid and dissolved inTHF. Saturated HCl in diethyl ether was added to this solution at 0° C.and stirred for 15 min. Solid that separated out was filtered and driedto give the title compound (70 mg) as an off-white solid. M. P.:156-159° C. ¹H-NMR (6 ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 9.61 (t, J 5.7, 1H), 9.15(d, J 4.2, 1H), 8.95 (d, J 8.4, 1H), 8.25 (d, J 8.8, 1H), 8.17 (s, 1H),8.07-8.03 (m, 2H), 7.98 (d, J 8.3, 1H), 7.93-7.90 (m, 1H), 7.84 (t, J7.8, 1H), 6.68 (s, 1H), 4.75 (d, J 5.7, 2H), 1.72-1.61 (m, 1H),0.97-0.88 (m, 2H), 0.81-0.74 (m, 2H). MS (m/z): 455.03 [M+H—HCl]⁺.

EXAMPLE 371-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-3-(quinolin-6-yl)urea

6-amino quinoline (200 mg, 0.88 mmol), triphosgene (156 mg, 0.53 mmol)and triethyl amine (0.4 ml, 3.5 mmol) were dissolved in DCM and stirredat rt for 30 mins under nitrogen atmosphere. After that intermediate 12(200 mg, 0.88 mmol) was added and mixture was heated to 40° C. for 40hrs. After that CHCl₃ (10 ml) and 0.2 M citric acid (2.5 mL) was addedto reaction mixture and the aqueous phase was removed. Organic layerwashed with brine and dried on anhydrous Na₂SO₄. Organic layer wasremoved on rotavapour to obtain the crude. Crude was purified by columnchromatography using 60-120 mesh silica gel and DCM and MeOH (98:2) aseluent to obtain the titled compound (25 mg) as a brown solid. M. P.:102-104° C. ¹H-NMR (6 ppm, DMSO-d₆, 400 MHz): 9.07 (s, 1H), 8.96 (s,1H), 8.73 (dd, J 1.6, 4.2, 1H), 8.23 (d, J 7.9, 1H), 8.17 (d, J 2.2,1H), 7.94 (d, J 9.0 1H), 7.71 (dd, J 2.4, 9.1, 1H), 7.59 (d, J 8.9, 2H),7.48 (d, J 8.9, 2H), 7.47-7.43 (m, 1H), 5.77 (s, 1H), 1.88-1.71 (m, 2H),0.90-0.82 (m, 4H), 0.70-0.58 (m, 4H). MS (m/z): 410.44 [M+H]⁺

Biological Assays

The properties of the compounds of this invention may be confirmed by anumber of biological/pharmacological assays. Thebiological/pharmacological assay which can be been carried out with thecompounds according to the invention and/or their pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts is exemplified below. Similarly the compounds of thepresent invention may also be tested using other assays, such ascytokine (IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, TNF alpha, interferon gammaetc.) estimation in Jurkat as well as human PBMCs. The compounds of theinvention may also be tested in various aminal models to establish thevarious therapeutic potential of the compounds of this invention.

1. In-Vitro Crac Channel Inhibition Assays

1A. In-Vitro Crac Channel Inhibition Assay in Jurkat Cells

Inhibition of CRAC channels was determined following thapsigargin(Sigma, Cat #T9033) induced endoplasmic calcium release in Jurkat cells.(see Yasurio Yonetoky et. al Bio. & Med Chem. 14 (2006) 4750-4760).Cells were centrifuged and resuspended in equal volumes of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺free Hanks buffer and Fluo-8 NW dye (ABD Bioquest, Inc., Sunnyvale,Calif.) loading solution at 2×10⁵ cells/100 μl/well in 96-well blackplate. Plate is incubated at 37° C./5% CO₂ for 30 min followed byfurther 15 min incubation at room temperature. Test compounds (DMSOstocks diluted in Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ free Hanks buffer) at desiredconcentrations were added to the wells and incubated for 15 min.Thapsigargin (1 μM final concentration) was added to the wells andincubated for 15 min to inhibit the Sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ATPase pump thereby depleting endoplasmic calcium and raising cytosoliccalcium concentrations. Store-operated calcium entry was initiated byadding extracellular Ca²⁺ to a final concentration of 1.8 mM.Fluorescence was monitored over 5 min on a plate reader (BMG Labtech.,Germany) with excitation at 485 nm and an emission wavelength at 520 nm.Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism. IC₅₀ for each compound wasdetermined based on the percent inhibition of thapsigargin-inducedcalcium influx into cells. The results are as provided in Table 1A.

TABLE 1A Compound % inhibition (1 uM) IC50 (nM) Example 1 57.6 — Example2 78 182.5 Example 3 100 — Example 4 85 — Example 5 88.51 383.1 Example6 94.6  51.31 Example 7 36.83 — Example 8 17.90 — Example 9 100 —Example 10 100 146.7 Example 11 78.56 — Example 12 100 263.2 Example 1322.37 — Example 14 17.80 — Example 15 3.93 — Example 16 30.81 — Example17 94.03  86.12 Example 18 96.64  53.36 Example 19 69.53 — Example 20100  39.17 Example 21 83.03 139.0 Example 22 30.86 — Example 23 69.87 —Example 24 14.77 — Example 25 39.07 — Example 26 30.86 — Example 27 100— Example 28 0 — Example 29 81.1 — Example 30 100 160.5 Example 31 50.62— Example 32 41.23 — Example 33 49.54 — Example 34 51.21 — Example 35 15— Example 36 51.04 — Example 37 57.28 —1B. In-Vitro CRAC Channel Inhibition Assay in NCI-H460 Cancer Cell Line

Inhibition of CRAC channels was determined following thapsigargin(Sigma, Cat #T9033) induced endoplasmic calcium release in NCI-H460cells (National Centre For Cell Science (NCCS), Pune).

Cells (30,000 per well) were plated overnight in complete RPMI medium.Medium was substituted with Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ free Hanks buffer and Fluo-8NW dye (ABD Bioquest, Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif.) loading solution in96-well black plate. Plate was incubated at 37° C./5% CO₂ for 30 minfollowed by further 15 min incubation at room temperature. Testcompounds (DMSO stocks diluted in Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ free Hanks buffer) atdesired concentrations were added to the wells and incubated for 15 min.Thapsigargin (1 μM final concentration) was added to the wells andincubated for 15 min to inhibit the Sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ATPase pump thereby depleting endoplasmic calcium and raising cytosoliccalcium concentrations. Store-operated calcium entry was initiated byadding extracellular Ca²⁺ to a final concentration of 2.5 mM.Fluorescence was monitored over 30 min on a plate reader (BMG Labtech.,Germany) with excitation at 485 nm and an emission wavelength at 520 nm.Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism. IC₅₀ for each compound wasdetermined based on the percent inhibition of Thapsigargin-inducedcalcium influx into cells. The results are as provided in Table 2.

1C. In-Vitro Cell Proliferation Assay in Nci-H460 Cancer Cell Line(Anticancer Activity)

Growth inhibition assays were carried out using 10% FBS supplementedmedia. Cells were seeded at a concentration of 5000 cells/well in a96-well plate. Test compound at a concentration range from 0.01 to 10000nM were added after 24 h. Growth was assessed using the3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) dyereduction test at 0 h (prior to the addition of the test compound) and48 h after the addition of test compound. Absorbance was read on aFluostar Optima (BMG Labtech, Germany) at a wave length of 450 nm. Datawere analysed using GraphPad Prism. IC-50 for each compound wasdetermined based on the % inhibition due to the test compound comparedto the control. The results are as provided in Table 2.

For methods of cell proliferation assay, see, for example, Mosmann. T.,Journal of Immunological Methods, 65(1-2), 55-63, (1983).

TABLE 2 NCI-H460 Cell Ca assay NCI-H460 Cell line assay % inhibition %inhibition Compound @ 1 μM IC 50 nM @ 10 μM G1 50 nM Example 2 91.14 —34 — Example 3 100 — — 261.1 Example 4 80.66 — 41 — Example 5 — 79.87 —177.2 Example 9 — — — 270.3 Example 10 — 72.65 — — Example 12 — — 90100.3 Example 17 100 — — 710.2 Example 19 — —   83.6 148.4 Example 24 ——   84.4 — Example 27 98.10 — — 358.3 Example 29 — — 100  1524   Example34 — —   82.72 627.8

2. In Vitro Inhibition of Cytokine Release in Jurkat Cells, Human WholeBlood and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC).

Inhibition of cytokine IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 and TNF a was determined asdescribed below.

a. Inhibition of IL-2 in Jurkat Cells:

Cells were incubated with desired concentrations of the inhibitor for 15min. Cytokine release was induced by the addition of Concanavalin A (25μg/ml)+Phorbol Myristate Acetate (50 ng/ml) for IL-2 & TNFα or withPhytohemagglutinin (5 μg/ml) for IL-4 & IL-5 and incubated at 37° C. inan atmosphere containing 95% CO₂. Supernatant was collected after 20 h(IL-2 & TNFα) or 48 h (IL-4 & IL-5) for estimation of cytokines byELISA. Data were analysed using GraphPad Prism. IC₅₀ values for eachcompound were determined based on the percent inhibition due to the testcompound compared to the control.

b. Inhibition of Cytokine Release in Human Whole Blood (HWB):

Freshly collected HWB was diluted with RPMI medium (1:4.5) and added toa 96-well plate. Wells were incubated with desired concentrations of theinhibitor for 15 min. Cytokine release was induced by the addition ofConcanavalin A (25 μg/ml)+Phorbol Myristate Acetate (50 ng/ml) for IL-2& TNFα or with Phytohemagglutinin (5 μg/ml) for IL-4 & IL-5 andincubated at 37° C. in an atmosphere containing 95% CO₂. Supernatant wascollected after 20 h (IL-2 & TNFα) or 48 h (IL-4 & IL-5) for estimationof cytokines by ELISA. Data were analysed using GraphPad Prism. IC₅₀values for each compound were determined based on the percent inhibitiondue to the test compound compared to the control.

c. Inhibition of Cytokine Release in PBMC:

PBMC from freshly collected HWB were isolated by density gradient usingHistopaque and seeded in a 96-well plate. Cells were incubated withdesired concentrations of the inhibitor for 15 min. Cytokine release wasinduced by the addition of Concanavalin A (25 μg/ml)+Phorbol MyristateAcetate (50 ng/ml) for IL-2 & TNFα or with Phytohemagglutinin (5 μg/ml)for IL-4 & IL-5 and incubated at 37° C. in an atmosphere containing 95%CO₂. Supernatant was collected after 20 h (IL-2 & TNFα) or 48 h (IL-4 &IL-5) for estimation of cytokines by ELISA. Data were analysed usingGraphPad Prism. IC₅₀ values for each compound were determined based onthe percent inhibition due to the test compound compared to the control.The results are as provided in Table 3.

TABLE -3 IC 50 Values in nM Jurkat Human Whole Blood PBMC Compound IL-2IL-2 TNFα IL-5 IL-4 IL-2 TNFα IL-5 IL-4 Prednisolone 35.48 77.25 — — —3.72 — — — Example 2 — 102.1 147.6 — — — — — — Example 6 — 52.24 164.7 —— — — — — Example 20 — 40.74 35.58 163.5 1227 383.4 138.0 149.2 539.6Example 27 — 125.2 117.5 — — — — — —Anti Cancer Activity

The correlation of CRAC and STIM protein and its use for this inventionmay be confirmed by a number of biological/pharmacological assays. Thebiological/pharmacological assays which may be been carried outaccording to the invention are exemplified below.

Compound A,2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)-N-(4-(5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl)acetamide,and Compound B,N-(4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl)-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamidewere used as CRAC channel inhibitors for the biological assay.

Example I: Expression of Orai1 & Stim1 in A549 and NCI-H460 Cells

Orai1 and Stim1 expression in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines wasconfirmed by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) Briefly, 5×10⁶ cellstreated with desired concentrations of the test article were harvested,pelleted, and resuspended in 1 ml TRI Reagent (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.)and total RNA was extracted as per the manufacturer's instructions. cDNAwas prepared using the First Strand cDNA synthesis and amplified usingthe following primer pairs:

Orai1: (SEQ ID NO: 1) Forward 5′ CATGGTGGCAATGGTGGAGGTG 3′(SEQ ID NO: 2) Reverse 5′ AGGCACTGAAGGCGATGAGCA 3′ Orai2: (SEQ ID NO: 3)Forward 5′ATGGTGCCATGGTGGAGGT 3′ (SEQ ID NO: 4)Reverse 5′TGCAGGCGCTGAAGGCAAT 3′ Orai3: (SEQ ID NO: 5)Forward 5′AAGCTCAAAGCTTCCAGCCGC 3′ (SEQ ID NO: 6)Reverse 5′GGTGGGTACTCGTGGTCACTCT3′ Stim1: (SEQ ID NO: 7)Forward 5′AAGGCTCTGGATACAGTGCTCTTT 3′ (SEQ ID NO: 8)Reverse 5′AGCATGAAGTCCTTGAGGTGATTAT 3′ Stim2: (SEQ ID NO: 9) Forward 5′ACGACACTTCCCAGGATAGCA 3′ (SEQ ID NO: 10) Reverse 5′GACTCCGGTCACTGATTTTCAAC 3′See, e.g., Peel et. al., Respiratory Research, 7, 119, 2006; Gwack et.al., J. Biol. Chem., 282,16232-16243, 2006.Bands were resolved by agarose gel electrophoresis and visualized usingSYBR safe DNA gel stain. The results are shown in FIG. 1.

Example-II: In Vitro CRAC Channel Inhibition Assay In NCI-H460 CancerCell Line

Inhibition of CRAC channels was determined following thapsigargin(Sigma, Cat #T9033) induced endoplasmic calcium release in NCI-H460cells (National Centre For Cell Science (NCCS), Pune).

For Methodology: Refer 1B.

Compound A showed 100% inhibition at 1 uM with an IC₅₀ value of lessthan 200 nM. See FIG. 2.

Example III: In Vitro Cell Proliferation Assay In NCI-H460 Cancer CellLine (Anticancer Activity

The effect of CRAC and/or STIM protein on the proliferation andviability of lung cancer cells was determined as follows.

For Methodology: Refer 1C.

Compound A showed 100% inhibition at 1 uM with a GI₅₀ value of less than200 nM (See FIG. 3).

Example IV: Effect of compound B on Expression of Orai and StimExpression in NCI-H460 Cells

Orai and Stim expressions were measured using the methodology describedin Example 1 above in NCI-H460 cells but with 1 and 10 M of compound B.

The data showed the NCI-H460 cells expressed Orai1, Orai3, Stim1 andStim2. The mRNA expression of Orai1, Stim1, and Stim2 was significantlyreduced upon treating the cells with Compound B as evident byqualitative PCR. See FIG. 4.

Example V: Determination of Cytotoxicity in NCI-H460 Cells

Cytotoxicity of a test compound (Compound B) was determined using alactate dehydrogenase assay kit (Cayman Chemicals, MI) as per themanufacturer's instructions with some minor modifications. Briefly,20,000 cells/well in complete RPMI-1640 media were seeded in a 96-welltissue culture plate and incubated overnight at 37° C. and 5% CO₂. Thetest compound was added to the wells in triplicate at the desiredconcentrations. Doxorubicin and/or 1% Triton-X were used as a positivecontrol. After 48 h, the media was removed and assayed for lactatedehydrogenase in a colorimetric assay. Optical density was measured on amicroplate reader (BMG Labtech., Germany) at 490 nM. Data were analyzedusing Graphpad Prism (Graphpad software; San Diego Calif.).

The data indicated that the Compound B was not cytotoxic in the NCI-H460cell line, as evidenced by undetectable levels of lactate dehydrogenasein the media.

Example VI: Evaluation of Anti-Tumor Efficacy in Female Balb/c Nude MiceBearing NCI-H460 Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Xenografts

A subcutaneous xenograft lung carcinoma model was used to evaluate theanti-tumor efficacy of test compounds. Taxol was used as the positivecontrol. The model was established by the transplantation of NCI-H460cells (5×10⁶) subcutaneously on the right flank of each animal (0.1mL/mouse). When the average tumor volume reached around 170 mm³, 30 nudemice were selected based on tumor volume and randomly assigned into sixanimals per treatment group. Animals were orally administered 30 mg/kgof the test compound (Compound A) BID for 15 days. During the treatmentperiod, the implanted tumors were measured by caliper three times a weekin a blind fashion. The tumors were measured for the maximum width (X)and length (Y) and the tumor volumes (V) were calculated using theformula: V=(X²Y)/2. The animal body weights were also measured at thesame time. Data were analyzed using Graphpad Prism (Graphpad software;San Diego Calif.).

Administration of the test compound resulted in a 32% reduction in tumorgrowth without any significant change in body weight. A 36% reduction intumor growth with significant reduction of body weight was observed inanimals treated by intravenous administration of taxol. See FIG. 5.

Example VII: Evaluation of Usefulness of CRAC Channel Modulators inVarious Anti-Inflammatory and Autoimmune Disorders Using In-Vivo AnimalModels

i. Concanavalin (Con) a Induced Hepatitis in Female Balb/C Mice:

Con A is often used to prepare experimental animals with high levels ofcytotoxic T-lymphocytes, because these cells are involved in thedevelopment of viral infections in humans. In this model, animals areadministered test compounds orally 1 hour prior to intravenousadministration of Con A. Blood samples are collected after 24 hours fordetermination of Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) andSerum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) in serum.

% reduction in serum SGOT & SGPT upon administration of the testcompound can be studied.

ii. TNCB Induced Contact Hypersensitivity in Female Balb/c Mice:

Contact hypersensitivity is a simple in vivo assay of cell-mediatedimmune function. In this procedure, exposure of epidermal cells toexogenous haptens results in a delayed type hypersensitive reaction thatcan be measured and quantified. Briefly, 7% TNCB solution is applied tothe abdominal region of 8 week old Balb/c mice. Ear thickness ismeasured 7 days after TNCB sensitization. Compounds are administeredorally followed by an application of 1% TNCB to inside and outside ofear pinnae. Ear thickness is measured 24 h after TNCB challenge

% reduction in ear inflammation upon administration of the test compoundcan be studied.

iii. Foot Paw Delayed Type Hypersensitivity in Male Balb/c Mice:

DTH swelling responses can be used to follow the activity ofimmunosuppressive molecules and/or suppressor T cells in vivo.Intradermal antigen (methylated BSA) injections are given to mice (atbase of tail) on day 0 and day 7. Compounds are administered once dailyfrom day 0 to day 10 Methylated BSA is injected into the right hindfootpad of animals on day 10. Weight difference induced by antigen isdetermined by weighing the right and left hind paws 24 h after injectionof methylated BSA (day 11).

% reduction in antigen-induced paw inflammation in mice can be studied.

iv. OVA-Induced Asthma in Guinea Pigs:

Pulmonary eosinophilia and airway remodelling in conjunction withaltered neural control of airway tone and airway epithelial desquamationcontributes to Airway Hyper-responsiveness (AHR) in asthma. Fordetermination of eosinophil reduction, animals are sensitized with OVAon d0, d7, and d14 followed by another round (0.1% w/v) throughinhalation on d19 & d20. Compounds are administered orally 1 h beforeOVA challenge (0.3%). BAL fluid is collected on d22 for differentialcount and cytokine estimation. For determination of change inrespiratory parameters, animals are subjected to whole bodyplethysmography immediately after ova challenge. % reduction in bloodeosinophils along with a concurrent improvement in respiration uponadministration of the test compound can be studied.

v. Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Male DBA/1 Ola HSD Mice:

Collagen induced arthritis in rodent models have been widely used toillustrate and understand the development of the disease besides servingas a surrogate for validation of therapeutic targets for humanrheumatoid arthritis. Mice were anesthetized with Isoflurane and given150 μl of Bovine Type II collagen in Freund's complete adjuvantinjections (day 0 and day 21). Treatment is initiated on study day 0 andcontinued once daily, every day (po, qd). Starting on day 18, clinicalscores are given daily for each of the paws (right front, left front,right rear, left rear) and continued till the day of sacrifice (day 34).Daily administration of the test compound at to alleviates arthriticsymptoms, disease progression, and incidence by % compared to thecontrol animals can be studied.

Other in-vivo models wherein the effect of CRAC channel modulators invarious Anti-inflammatory and Autoimmune disorders can be tested includeChronic Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomvelitis in C57/B16J mice:Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an inflammatorydisease of the central nervous system and widely used as an animal modelof Multiple Sclerosis. Animals are administered pertussis toxinintravenously and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)subcutaneously on day 0. Treatment is initiated at day 0 and continuedtill sacrifice. Development of EAE is observed between day 9 to day 42.At the end of the treatment period, animals are sacrificed forhistopathological analysis as well as cytokine estimation in plasma.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference toparticular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodimentsare merely illustrative of the principles and applications of thepresent invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerousmodifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that otherarrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention as described in the specification and theclaims.

All publications and patent and/or patent applications cited in thisapplication are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each individual publication or patent application was specificallyand individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference.

We claim:
 1. A compound selected from:2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)-N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]acetamide;2-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]acetamide;N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-2-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)acetamide;N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamide;N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-fluorophenyl]-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamide;2-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-N-[6-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridin-3-yl]acetamide;N-[6-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridin-3-yl]-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamide;2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}acetamide;2-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}acetamide;2-(2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}acetamide;2-(3H-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-3-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}acetamide;2-(6-amino-9H-purin-9-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}acetamide;N-(4-(5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl)-2-(1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-purin-7(6H)-yl)acetamide;N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl)-2-(imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)acetamide;N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamide;2-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-3-fluorophenyl}acetamide;2-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-N-{6-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]pyridin-3-yl}acetamide;2-(2H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-2-yl)-N-{6-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]pyridin-3-yl}acetamide;N-{6-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]pyridin-3-yl}-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamide;2-(1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol-1-yl)-N-{6-[4-chloro-5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]pyridin-3-yl}acetamide;or a tautomer, N-oxide, pharmaceutically acceptable ester, orpharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. A compound selected fromN-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-2-(quinolin-6-yl)acetamideand pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 3. A compound selectedfrom2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)-N-{4-[5-cyclopropyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}acetamideand pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 4.N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-2-(quinolin-6-yl)-acetamide.5.N-[4-(3,5-dicyclopropyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl]-2-(quinolin-6-yl)-acetamidehydrochloride.